April the eighteenth.

=Paragraphs=

=88a. The first lines of paragraphs are uniformly indented, in
manuscript, about an inch; in print, somewhat less. After a sentence,
the remainder of a line should not be left blank, except at the end of a
paragraph.=

=b. The length of a paragraph is ordinarily from fifty to three hundred
words, depending on the importance or complexity of the thought.= In
exposition, the paragraphs should be long enough to develop every idea
thoroughly. Scrappy expository paragraphs arouse the suspicion that the
writer is incoherent, or that he has not given sufficient thought to the
subject. Short paragraphs are permissible, and even desirable, in the
following cases:

1. In a formal introduction to the main body of a discourse, or in the
formal conclusion. (In some instances the paragraph may consist of a
single sentence.)

2. In the body of a composition, when a brief logical transition between
two longer paragraphs is necessary.

3. In short compositions on complex subjects, where space forbids the
development of each thought on a proper scale. (But, as a rule, the
student should limit his subject to a few simple ideas, each of which
can be developed fully.)

4. In newspapers, where brevity and emphasis are required. (But the
student should not take the journalistic style as a model.)

5. In description or narration meant to be vivid, vigorous, or rapid.

6. In dialogue.

=c. In representing dialogue, each speech, no matter how short, is placed
in a separate paragraph.=

Right:

"Listen!" he said. "There was a noise
outside. Didn't you hear it?"

"No," I whispered. It was dark in the room, except for a faint
light at the window, and I felt my way cautiously to his side.
"What is it? Burglars?"

"I believe it is."

"I can't hear anything."

"Listen! There it is again."

"Pshaw!" I had to laugh aloud. "Thompson's cow has got into the
garden again."

Note that a slight amount of descriptive matter may be included in a
paragraph with the direct discourse, the only requirement being that a
change of speaker shall be indicated by a new paragraph.

When special emphasis is desired, a quotation may be detached from a
preceding introductory statement.

Right: The speaker turned gravely about, and facing the front
row, he said slowly and solemnly:

"Small boys should be see