In the following examples of letters intimate and from young persons, such profuse expressions as “divine,” “awfully,” “petrified,” “too sweet,” “too wonderful,” are purposely inserted, because to change all of the above enthusiasms into “pleased with,” “very,” “feared,” “most kind,” would be to change the vitality of the “real” letters into smug and self-conscious utterances at variance with anything ever written by young men and women of to-day.  Even the letters of older persons, although they are more restrained than those of youth, avoid anything suggesting pedantry and affectation.

Do not from this suppose that well-bred people write badly!  On the contrary, perfect simplicity and freedom from self-consciousness are possible only to those who have acquired at least some degree of cultivation.  For flagrant examples of pretentiousness (which is the infallible sign of lack of breeding), see page 61.  For simplicity of expression, such as is unattainable to the rest of us, but which we can at least strive to emulate, read first the Bible; then at random one might suggest such authors as Robert Louis Stevenson, E.S.  Martin, Agnes Repplier, John Galsworthy and Max Beerbohm.  E.V.  Lucas has written two novels in letter form—­which illustrate the best type of present day letter-writing.

=LETTERS OF THANKS FOR WEDDING PRESENTS=

Although all wedding presents belong to the bride, she generally words her letters of thanks as though they belonged equally to the groom, especially if they have been sent by particular friends of his.

To Intimate Friends of the Groom

    Dear Mrs. Norman: 

    To think of your sending us all this wonderful glass!  It is
    simply divine, and Jim and I both thank you a thousand times!

    The presents are, of course, to be shown on the day of the
    wedding, but do come in on Tuesday at tea time for an earlier
    view.

    Thanking you again, and with love from us both,

    Affectionately,
    Mary.

Formal

=I=

    Dear Mrs. Gilding: 

    It was more than sweet of you and Mr. Gilding to send us such a
    lovely clock.  Thank you, very, very much.

    Looking forward to seeing you on the tenth,

    Very sincerely,
          Mary Smith.

Sometimes, as in the two examples above, thanks to the husband are definitely expressed in writing to the wife.  Usually, however, “you” is understood to mean “you both.”

=II=

    Dear Mrs. Worldly: 

All my life I have wanted a piece of jade, but in my wanting I have never imagined one quite so beautiful as the one you have sent me.  It was wonderfully sweet of you and I thank you more than I can tell you for the pleasure you have given me.

    Affectionately,
    Mary Smith.

=III.=