9. NOTE OF REGRET.
Miss Molly Hare regrets that a previous engagement prevents her from accepting Miss Brownie Mink’s kind invitation for Thursday evening, June first.
Beaver Creek, May twenty-fifth.
“This has been a very pleasant task, I assure you,” said Tiny, when his work was done. “I have learned how to write a business letter, which is an important thing to know. I never before had heard of money orders and drafts. You know we do not have those things, nor money, nor stores, at Squirreltown.”
“Only a few of the more intelligent animals know anything about business,” replied Miss Hare. “I know of only two large department stores and three banks in Animal Kingdom. I have heard that the ancient human beings used shells for money; but, finally, they established the use of coins, because they were valued by all classes of people. If the hunters would not molest us, Animal Kingdom would imitate the human race and become very much enlightened. Some day I hope you may visit the department store of Sheep, Goat & Co., and see for yourself how animals are advancing in knowledge. I understand that this great store employs almost a dozen clerks.”
“I have also learned how to write an invitation and notes of regret and acceptance. They seem to be very simple in their construction,” said Tiny, placing the quill in a shell filled with sand.
“No self-respecting animal should neglect his correspondence, no matter how busy he may be,” said Miss Hare. “As a rule, one who hates to write letters is one who cannot write them well. It is necessary that one should write social and business letters, and learn how to make them clear and forceful. Now you may rest. I thank you for your services, Tiny.”
The red squirrel, with a polite bow, returned to his room, much pleased because he had pleased some one else.