Menton, N.Y., May 24th, 1894.

    My Dear Everett: 

    I have, to-day received the invitation to your wedding, and
    as I cannot be present at that happy event to offer my
    congratulations in person, I write.

I am heartily glad you are going to be married, and congratulate you upon the wisdom of your choice.  You have won a noble as well as a beautiful woman, and one whose love will make you a happy man to your life’s end.  May God grant that trouble may not come near you but should it be your lot, you will have a wife to whom you can look with confidence for comfort, and whose good sense and devotion to you will be your sure and unfailing support.

    That you may both be very happy, and that your happiness may
    increase with your years, is the prayer of

    Your Friend, FRANK HOWARD.

* * * * *

LETTER WRITING.

Any extravagant flattery should be avoided, both as tending to disgust those to whom it is addressed, as well as to degrade the writers, and to create suspicion as to their sincerity.  The sentiments should spring from the tenderness of the heart, and, when faithfully and delicately expressed, will never be read without exciting sympathy or emotion in all hearts not absolutely deadened by insensibility.

DECLARATION OF AFFECTION.

Dear Nellie:  Will you allow me, in a few plain and simple words, respectfully to express the sincere esteem and affection I entertain for you, and to ask whether I may venture to hope that these sentiments are returned?  I love you truly and earnestly and knowing you admire frankness and candor in all things, I cannot think that you will take offense at this letter.  Perhaps it is self-flattery to suppose I have any place in your regard.  Should this be so, the error will carry with it its own punishment, for my happy dream will be over.  I will try to think otherwise, however, and shall await your answer with hope.  Trusting soon to hear from you, I remain, dear Nellie.

    Sincerely Yours,
    J.L.  Master

    To Miss Nellie Reynolds,
    Hartford, Conn.

[Illustration]

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FORMS OF LOVE LETTERS.

12.—­An Ardent Declaration.

    Naperville, Ill., June 10th, 1915

    My Dearest Laura: 

I can no longer restrain myself from writing to you, dearest and best of girls, what I have often been on the point of saying to you.  I love you so much that I cannot find words in which to express my feelings.  I have loved you from the very first day we met, and always shall.  Do you blame me because I write so freely?  I should be unworthy of you if I did not tell you the whole truth.  Oh, Laura, can you love me in return?  I am sure I shall not be able to bear it if your answer is unfavorable.  I will study your every wish if you will give me the right to do so.  May I hope?  Send just one kind word to your sincere friend.

    HARRY SMITH.