nt; for example:

DEAR MRS. BRIGGS:

It is with great regret that I inform you that our
exhibition of private theatricals is indefinitely postponed
on account of the sudden and serious illness of Miss Hope
Ledyard, who was the chief star of our little company.

The "Lady of Lyons," with the "Lady" left out, would be like
"Hamlet," with the noble Dane missing, an impossible
performance; and, as there was no one else so capable of
filling the part as Miss Ledyard, we are resolved to await
her recovery.

Your friend,

ELIZABETH STUART.

Notes of Request or Refusal

are frequently necessary, but care should be taken neither to make an
unreasonable request, nor to return an unjustifiable refusal. Should
denial seem imperative, strive to imitate that English statesman who
could refuse more gracefully than others could grant. The following
examples will suffice:

DEAR MRS. WINTERBLOSSOM:

You remember the little picture, a Sunset View, that I
admired so much the other evening at your home? Would you
have any objection to lending it to me for a copy?

Should you have even a shadow of dislike toward my
proposition, do not hesitate to refuse at once. So many
people are averse, and justly so, to having their paintings
duplicated that I feel my request almost an impertinence.

Believe me, truly yours,

EDITH GRANGER.

Refusal to the same:

MY DEAR MISS GRANGER:

I dread to answer your note, since it must be a refusal of
your request, for the little printing is the property of a
friend of mine, who has left it, together with a few others,
in my care during her tour in Europe. The fact that she has
a morbid dislike to having duplicate copies made of her
pictures, forces me to deny a request that, were the
painting in question mine, I would gladly grant.

Sincerely your friend,

HELEN WINTERBLOSSOM.

Business Letters

need especial care in writing. They are to be read by men with whom
time is precious and the demands upon it numerous. Hence they should
be brief, clearly worded and straight to the point. Such a letter is
much more certain of speedy attention and prompt returns than the
rambling, incoherent missive of the unaccustomed writer. If you want
ten yards of ribbon of a certain color and quality, say so, but do not
lose the order in a maz