41 Hemingway Place,
March 14, 19—
My dear Mr. Cook:
I am going to ask a very special favor of you, and I know that you will be good enough to comply—if no other engagement stands in the way.
Ralph Townshend, who was to have been present at a little dinner party that I am giving to-morrow evening, has just written that he has been called out of town on business. Won't you be good enough to take his place and give me more reason than ever for subscribing myself
Gratefully yours,
Janet B. Raines.
In answering this letter, Mr. Cook must either accept or decline definitely. To be courteous, he must give a reason for declining. To write merely and say that one cannot serve as a stop-gap is both impolite and inconsiderate. Either a good reason or an acceptance must be given. Here is the way the acceptance may be worded:
1465 Emmet Road,
March 16, 19—
My dear Mrs. Raines:
I'm rather glad that Ralph was called out of town, since it gives me an opportunity to be present at another of your delightful dinners. Thank you very much for the invitation.