rence for
roses, hopes that he may have the pleasure of seeing her
wearing the accompanying cluster this evening at the Opera.

91 Ashland Boulevard, October 2d.

The wearing of the flowers would be all the answer required by this
note.

With a birthday gift an appropriately worded note would be as follows:

AT HOME, August 1st.

DEAR NETTIE:

Remembering that your birthday is at hand, I send you this
little painting as a token of my love, together with wishes
for many happy returns of this day.

Your friend,

MARIE ST. JOHN.

These little notes should always receive an answer, as, for instance,
this last might be appropriately replied to thus:

632 CORSON STREET, August 2. 189-.

MY DEAR MARIE:

You cannot think with what delight I received your beautiful
birthday gift, rendered tenfold dearer by the knowledge
that it is the handiwork of my friend. With many thanks,

I am, as ever, yours,

NETTIE D. CATON.

Notes of Apology

are a frequent necessity. They should be written with promptness,
evince a repentant spirit, and should be acknowledged pleasantly and
forgivingly. Always remember in such a note to explain the cause
rendering the apology necessary. For instance, an unfulfilled
engagement might be apologized for thus:

DEAR MISS MASON:

I cannot sufficiently regret that I was unfortunately
prevented from keeping my engagement to drive with you on
Wednesday. An important telegram, received but a moment
before the time set for our "outing," left me but a brief
five minutes to catch the first train for R----, where
affairs, permitting no delay, awaited my attention.

Dare I hope that I have your pardon for so great a seeming
negligence?

Very respectfully yours,

JOHN H. CURRAN.

This note being written in the first person will be replied to in the
same manner by the recipient:

MR. CURRAN (or, DEAR MR. CURRAN, according to the degree of
familiarity):

I accept your apology as quite sufficient, and beg that you
will give yourself no further uneasiness over so unavoidable
an occurrence.

I am, sincerely,

GERTRUDE MASON.

Notes of Postponement

are always to be sent when the necessity arises for deferring any
social gathering. Write them promptly, and explain the unavoidable
reasons for the postponeme