Notes of Request or Refusal
are frequently necessary, but care should be taken neither to make an unreasonable request, nor to return an unjustifiable refusal. Should denial seem imperative, strive to imitate that English statesman who could refuse more gracefully than others could grant. The following examples will suffice:
Dear Mrs. Winterblossom:
You remember the little picture, a Sunset View, that I admired so much the other evening at your home? Would you have any objection to lending it to me for a copy?
Should you have even a shadow of dislike toward my proposition, do not hesitate to refuse at once. So many people are averse, and justly so, to having their paintings duplicated that I feel my request almost an impertinence.
Believe me, truly yours,
Edith Granger.
Refusal to the same:
My dear Miss Granger:
I dread to answer your note, since it must be a refusal of your request, for the little painting is the property of a friend of mine, who has left it, together with a few others, in my care during her tour in Europe. The fact that she has a morbid dislike to having duplicate copies made of her pictures, forces me to deny a request that, were the painting in question mine, I would gladly grant.
Sincerely your friend,
Helen Winterblossom.
Business Letters
need especial care in writing. They are to be read by men with whom time is precious and the demands upon it numerous. Hence they should be brief, clearly worded and straight to the point. Such a letter is much more certain of speedy attention and prompt returns than the rambling, incoherent missive of the unaccustomed writer. If you want ten yards of ribbon of a certain color and quality, say so, but do not lose the order in a maze of irrelevant matter; for instance:
Mendota, Ill., April 4, 189—.
Messrs. Blank & Co.
Please send me:
10 yards of black silk, at $1 per yard $10 00 14 yards of green cashmere, at 75c. per yard 10 50 1 pair black kid gloves 1 50 1 pair tan kid gloves, undressed 2 00 Total $23 00 Enclosed find money order for the above amount. Goods to be sent by American Express. By filling the above order quickly as possible, you will greatly oblige,
Mary McNett.
Address: Mrs. W. D. McNett, Mendota, Ill.
| 10 | yards of black silk, at $1 per yard | $10 00 |
| 14 | yards of green cashmere, at 75c. per yard | 10 50 |
| 1 | pair black kid gloves | 1 50 |
| 1 | pair tan kid gloves, undressed | 2 00 |
| Total | $23 00 |
If there is any special reason for filling an order hastily, such as a birthday gift or wedding present, mention the fact briefly, and care will be taken that it is sent in time. Always make use of money order, draft or registered letter, when sending other than very small amounts of money by mail. Should you have anything to say in such a letter aside from the affair in hand, attend first and briefly to the matter of business, and then add whatever remarks may seem necessary.