tion to signify
whether or not I can accept. Could you at your convenience
furnish me with additional particulars re the proposed
affair--number of guests, character of refreshments, size of
orchestra, etc.? Awaiting an early reply, I am,
Yours truly,
ALFRED CASS NAPE.

If one wishes to attend the party, one "accepts" on a clean sheet of
note-paper with black ink from a "fountain" pen or inkwell. A hostess
should not, however, make the mistake of thinking that a large number of
"acceptances" implies that anybody really wishes to attend her party.

The following is a standard form of acceptance:

Dr. Tanner accepts with pleasure the kind invitation of Mrs.
Frederick Cummings Bussey for Thursday evening, December twelfth,
at half after eight.

This note need not be signed. The following "acceptance" is decidedly
demode:

DEAR MRS. ASTOR:

Will I be at your ball? Say, can a duck swim?
Count on me sure. FRED.

It is also incorrect and somewhat boorish to write "accepted" across the
face of the invitation and return it signed to the hostess.

If one does not care to attend the party, one often sends one's
"regrets" although one just as often sends one's "acceptances,"
depending largely upon the social position of one's hostess. The proper
form of "regret" is generally as follows:

Alice Ben Bolt regrets that she will be unable to accept the kind
invitation of Major General and Mrs. Hannafield for Wednesday
evening at half after eight.

Sometimes it is better to explain in some manner the cause of the
"regret," as for example:

Alice Ben Bolt regrets that, owing to an ulcerated tooth in the
left side of her mouth, and severe neuralgic pains all up and
down her left side, she will be unable to accept the kind
invitation of Major General and Mrs. Hannafield for Wednesday
evening at half after eight, at "The Bananas."

This is not, however, always necessary.

{illustration caption = This is an admirable picture with which to test
the "kiddies'" knowledge of good manners at a dinner table. It will
also keep them occupied as a puzzle picture since the "faux pas"
illustrated herewith will probably not be apparent to the little
ones except after careful examination. If, however, they have been
conscientiously trained it will not be long, before the brighter ones
discover that the spoon has been incorrectly