632 Corson Street, August 2, 189—.

My dear Marie:

You cannot think with what delight I received your beautiful birthday gift, rendered tenfold dearer by the knowledge that it is the handiwork of my friend. With many thanks,

I am, as ever, yours,
Nettie D. Caton.

Notes of Apology

are a frequent necessity. They should be written with promptness, evince a repentant spirit, and should be acknowledged pleasantly and forgivingly. Always remember in such a note to explain the cause rendering the apology necessary. For instance, an unfulfilled engagement might be apologized for thus:

Dear Miss Mason:

I cannot sufficiently regret that I was unfortunately prevented from keeping my engagement to drive with you on Wednesday. An important telegram, received but a moment before the time set for our “outing,” left me but a brief five minutes to catch the first train for R——, where affairs, permitting no delay, awaited my attention.

Dare I hope that I have your pardon for so great a seeming negligence?

Very respectfully yours,
John H. Curran.

This note being written in the first person will be replied to in the same manner by the recipient:

Mr. Curran (or, Dear Mr. Curran, according to the degree of familiarity):

I accept your apology as quite sufficient, and beg that you will give yourself no further uneasiness over so unavoidable an occurrence.

I am, sincerely,
Gertrude Mason.

Notes of Postponement

are always to be sent when the necessity arises for deferring any social gathering. Write them promptly, and explain the unavoidable reasons for the postponement; for example:

Dear Mrs. Briggs:

It is with great regret that I inform you that our exhibition of private theatricals is indefinitely postponed on account of the sudden and serious illness of Miss Hope Ledyard, who was the chief star of our little company.

The “Lady of Lyons,” with the “Lady” left out, would be like “Hamlet,” with the noble Dane missing, an impossible performance; and, as there was no one else so capable of filling the part as Miss Ledyard, we are resolved to await her recovery.

Your friend,
Elizabeth Stuart.