6.  How to begin A love letter.—­How to begin a love letter has been no doubt the problem of lovers and suitors of all ages and nations.  Fancy the youth of Young America with lifted pen, thinking how he shall address his beloved.  Much depends upon this letter.  What shall he say, and how shall he say it, is the great question.  Perseverance, however, will solve the problem and determine results.

7.  Forms of beginning A love letter.—­Never say, “My Dearest Nellie,” “My Adored Nellie,” or “My Darling Nellie,” until Nellie has first called you “My Dear,” or has given you to understand that such familiar terms are permissible.  As a rule a gentleman will never err if he says “Dear Miss Nellie,” and if the letters are cordially reciprocated the “Miss” may in time be omitted, or other familiar terms used instead.  In addressing a widow “Dear Madam,” or, “My Dear Madam,” will be a proper form until sufficient intimacy will justify the use of other terms.

8.  Respect.—­A lady must always be treated with respectful delicacy, and a gentleman should never use the term “Dear” or “My Dear” under any circumstances unless he knows it is perfectly acceptable or a long and friendly acquaintance justifies it.

9.  How to finish A letter.—­A letter will be suggested by the remarks on how to begin one.  “Yours respectfully,” “Yours truly,” “Yours sincerely,” “Yours affectionately,” “Yours ever affectionately,” “Yours most affectionately,” “Ever yours,” “Ever your own,” or “Yours,” are all appropriate, each depending upon the beginning of the letter.  It is difficult to see any phrase which could be added to them which would carry more meaning than they contain.  People can sign themselves “adorers” and such like, but they do so at the peril of good taste.  It is not good that men or women “worship” each other—­if they succeed in preserving reciprocal love and esteem they will have cause for great contentment.

10.  Permission.—­No young man should ever write to a young lady any letter, formal or informal, unless he has first sought her permission to do so.

11.  Special forms.—­We give various forms or models of love letters to be studied, not copied. We have given no replies to the forms given, as every letter written will naturally suggest an answer.  A careful study will be a great help to many who have not enjoyed the advantages of a literary education.

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Forms of social letters.

1.—­From a Young Lady to a Clergyman Asking a Recommendation.

    Nantwich, May 18th, 1915

    Reverend and Dear Sir: