The character and (&) is never to be employed.  “Hon.,” “Dr.” and “Rev.” are permissible on an envelope; “Rev. Father” is incorrect; write “Rev.”  We do not use “Esq.” in America as much as it is used in England, where it is always employed in addressing a letter to an equal, “Mr.” being reserved for tradesmen.  Here we use “Mr.” almost entirely.  Christian names are not abbreviated in an address; one should write “George” or “Charles” rather than “Geo.” or “Chas.”

What Not to Do.—­A woman is never to be addressed by her husband’s title, either verbally or in writing.  “Mrs. Dr. Smith” is “Mrs. Lewis Smith”; “Mrs. Judge Morris” is “Mrs. Henry Pond Morris.”  Of course she would not think of signing herself “Mrs. Dr. Smith.”  She should sign herself by her own name, “Marion Morris.”  If necessary to convey the information, she may, in a business note, place Mrs. in brackets, before her name, or after signing her own name, write below it, “Mrs. Henry Pond Morris.”  This is never done in a social note.  Often, upon her marriage a woman includes her maiden name in her signature, thus, “Marion Ames Morris.”  A hyphen is not used.  The four-storied name, as “Marion Helen Ames Morris,” is too cumbersome for common use.

A woman uses her husband’s full name on her cards.  The man, in signing himself, writes his full name “Henry Pond Morris” or “R.  P. Morris,” rather than “Henry P. Morris.”

The postscript has been laughed out of existence.  If a few words must be added the “P.  S.” is omitted.  Dodging about on the pages, from first to third, then to second and fourth, is to be avoided.  Don’t write across your written pages; a plaided letter is so difficult to decipher that one is justified in destroying it unread.  One is supposed to have sufficient letter paper on hand.  A half sheet should never be used as a means of eking out an epistle.  Don’t send a blotted, smeared letter.

[758 Mothers’ remedies]

Placing the Stamp.—­Several years ago silly girls occasionally inquired through the newspapers as to “the significance” of the postage stamp when placed in certain positions on the envelope.  One paper made reply that to place it anywhere but on the upper right hand corner of the envelope indicated that the sender was a first-class idiot.  The answer was widely copied and the inquiries ceased.  The stamp is placed there for convenience in canceling, that being done by a machine in all but the smaller offices.

The last item to be remembered is, spell correctly, though it is one of much importance.  A mis-spelled word is a grievous error in a letter—­worse than a blot.  Keep a dictionary on the desk; when in doubt look up the word, and then take pains to fix it in mind so as to have no further trouble with it.

When to Write.—­Notes of invitation should be promptly answered.  So should business letters.  As for friendly letters, were they answered at once, by both parties, the exchange would be so brisk that too much time would be thus occupied.  One may let a reasonable time elapse before replying; this depending upon the intimacy.  Friends whose time is much taken up with other cares, but who do not wish to lose touch with each other, not infrequently agree to exchange letters at certain dates or anniversaries.  Both may write simultaneously, or one write and the other reply.