"We regret to hear that, &c.;" i.e., "Our sorrow is tempered by the fact that we are utter strangers to the individual in question, and that his or her affliction provides us with a certain amount of 'copy.'"
"The hall was tastefully decorated;" i.e., two hired flags and an evergreen hoop.
Social.
"How are you? Haven't seen you for an age!" i.e., "Didn't expect to see you, and didn't want to."
"Not at Home;" i.e., "Doesn't she know that I've got a 'day?' Not that I want to see her even then!"
"Of course I should have known it anywhere. I think you've caught the likeness most wonderfully!" i.e., "Why the deuce doesn't he tell one whom it's meant for?"
"Small and early;" i.e., "No supper, and something which will count as 'a party,' at the least possible cost and trouble."
Theatrical.
"The Management regrets that, owing to previous arrangements, the piece must be withdrawn in the height of its popularity;" i.e., "Not drawing a shilling, company fearfully expensive, sooner we shut up the better."
"House full! Money turned away nightly;" i.e., Crammed with paper, two persons who wanted to pay for pit were refused admission by way of advertising.