From a Bride to Her New Relatives-in-Law

A letter that was written by a bride after paying a first visit to her husband’s aunt and uncle won for her at a stroke the love of the whole family.

This is the letter: 

    Dear “Aunt Annie”: 

Now that it is all over, I have a confession to make!  Do you know that when Dick drove me up to your front door and I saw you and Uncle Bob standing on the top step—­I was simply paralyzed with fright!

“Suppose they don’t like me,” was all that I could think.  Of course, I knew you loved Dick—­but that only made it worse.  How awful, if you couldn’t like me!  The reason I stumbled coming up the steps was because my knees were actually knocking together!  You remember, Uncle Bob sang out it was good I was already married, or I wouldn’t be this year?  And then—­you were both so perfectly adorable to me—­and you made me feel as though I had always been your niece—­and not just the wife of your nephew.

I loved every minute of our being with you, dear Aunt Annie, just
as much as Dick did, and we hope you are going to let us come
soon again.

With best love from us both,

Your affectionate niece,
Helen.

The above type of letter would not serve perhaps if Dick’s aunt had been a forbidding and austere type of woman; but even such a one would be far more apt to take a new niece to her heart if the new niece herself gave evidence of having one.

After Visiting a Friend

Dear Kate: 

It was hideously dull and stuffy in town this morning after the fresh coolness of Strandholm.  The back yard is not an alluring outlook after the wide spaces and delicious fragrance of your garden.

    It was good being with you and I enjoyed every moment.  Don’t
    forget you are lunching here on the 16th and that we are going to
    hear Kreisler together.

    Devotedly always,
    Caroline.

From a Man Who Has Been Ill and Convalescing at a Friend’s House

    Dear Martha: 

I certainly hated taking that train this morning and realizing that the end had come to my peaceful days.  You and John and the children, and your place, which is the essence of all that a “home” ought to be, have put me on my feet again.  I thank you much—­much more than I can say for the wonderful goodness of all of you.

    Fred.

From a Woman Who Has Been Visiting a Very Old Friend

I loved my visit with you, dear Mary; it was more than good to be with you and have a chance for long talks at your fireside.  Don’t forget your promise to come here in May!  I told Sam and Hettie you were coming, and now the whole town is ringing with the news, and every one is planning a party for you.

David sends “his best” to you and Charlie, and you know you
always have the love of