How to Write Letters (Formerly The Book of Letters) Part 11

A business engagement compels me to leave New York to-morrow.

There are indeed many interesting bits of news, but I shall have to wait for a chat until my next visit.

With kindest regards to you both, I am

Very sincerely yours, Roger Allen.

Mrs. John Evans 500 Park Avenue New York

_A last-moment vacancy:_

A last-moment vacancy may occur in a dinner party. To send an invitation to fill such a vacancy is a matter requiring tact, and the recipient should be made to feel that you are asking him to fill in as a special courtesy. Frankly explain the situation in a short note. It might be something like this:

500 Park Avenue, February 16, 1922.

My dear Mr. Jarrett,

Will you help me out? I am giving a little dinner party to-morrow evening and one of my guests, Harry Talbot, has just told me that on account of a sudden death he cannot be present. It is an awkward situation. If you can possibly come, I shall be very grateful.

Cordially yours, Katherine G. Evans.

Mr. Harold Jarrett 628 Was.h.i.+ngton Square South New York

_Accepting_

628 Was.h.i.+ngton Square South, February 16, 1922.

My dear Mrs. Evans,

It is indeed a fortunate circ.u.mstance for me that Harry Talbot will not be able to attend your dinner. Let me thank you for thinking of me and I shall be delighted to accept.

Yours very sincerely, Harold Jarrett.

If the recipient of such an invitation cannot accept, he should, in his acknowledgment, give a good reason for declining. It is more considerate to do so.

_For an informal luncheon_

An informal luncheon invitation is a short note sent about five to seven days before the affair.

500 Park Avenue, April 30,1922.

My dear Mrs. Emerson,

Will you come to luncheon on Friday, May the fifth, at half-past one o'clock? The Misses Irving will be here and they want so much to meet you.

Cordially yours, Katherine G. Evans.

_Accepting_

911 Sutton Place, May 2, 1922.

My dear Mrs. Evans,

I shall be very glad to take luncheon with you on Friday, May the fifth, at half-past one o'clock. It will be a great pleasure to meet the Misses Irving.

With best wishes, I am Yours sincerely, Grace Emerson.

_Regretting_

911 Sutton Place, May 2, 1922.

My dear Mrs. Evans,

Thank you for your very kind invitation to luncheon on Friday, May the fifth, but I am compelled, with great regret, to decline it.

My mother and aunt are sailing for Europe on Friday and their s.h.i.+p is scheduled to sail at one. I have arranged to see them off. It was good of you to ask me.

Very sincerely yours, Grace Emerson.

_For an informal tea_

My dear Miss Harcourt,

Will you come to tea with me on Tuesday afternoon, April the fourth, at four o'clock? I have asked a few of our friends.

Cordially yours, Katherine Gerard Evans.

April first

Telephone invitations are not good form and may be used only for the most informal occasions.

Invitations to the theatre, concert, and garden party, are mostly informal affairs and are sent as brief letters.

A garden party is a sort of out-of-doors at home.

_To a garden party which is not formal or elaborate_

Locust Lawn, June 29, 1922.

My dear Miss Burton,

Will you come to tea with me informally on the lawn on Thursday afternoon, July the fourth, at four o'clock? I know you always enjoy tennis and I have asked a few enthusiasts. Do try to come.

Cordially yours, Ruth L. Anson.