P——, August 12, 19—.

Dear Mrs. Read:—

How very kind of you to ask me to come and stay at your lovely place in O—— W——! I should like nothing better than to accept your tempting invitation; but am sorry to say at present I cannot leave home, as I have an invalid aunt requiring all my care. She has come up to town to consult a specialist. However, should you renew your invitation in about ten days' time, I might safely hope to have the pleasure of accepting it. With many thanks for thinking of me,

Believe me,
Very truly yours,
Ella Malvern.


373. Postponing a Dinner Party on Account of a Death.

L——, May 25, 19—.

My Dear Mrs. Darlington:—

I am very sorry to say we cannot have the pleasure of seeing you and Mr. Darlington at dinner to-morrow evening, on account of the death of my husband's sister, the sad news of which only reached us this morning.

With many regrets,