The following is an appropriate form for a letter of introduction.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: 
New York, Dec 20, 1880.

Dear Sir:

I take great pleasure in introducing to you my esteemed friend, Miss Ida A Thornton, a young lady of culture and refinement, who will spend a few months in your city.  I am sure that an acquaintance with her will be a pleasure to you, as it will also be to Miss Thornton.  Any favor you may show her during her stay in your city, I will consider a personal favor.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. J.Q.A.  Jones.

To Geo. Morris,
Chicago.]

The envelope containing a letter of introduction, should be addressed as follows: 

[Illustration: 
Geo. Morris, Esq.
1671 Jackson Street,
Chicago,
Introducing Ill.
Miss Ida A. Thornton.]

NOTES OF CONGRATULATION OR CONDOLENCE.

Notes of congratulation and condolence should be brief, and the letter should only be sent by near and intimate friends.  Do not allude to any subject except the one for which you are offering your congratulations or sympathy.  Such notes should be made expressive of real feeling, and not be mere matters of form.

INVITATION TO A RECEPTION.

For a general reception, invitations are printed on cards.  Their style is like the following, and do not require an answer unless “R.S.V.P.” is upon one corner.

[Illustration: 
Mrs. J.L.  Ashton,
At home,
Wednesday Evening, Jan. 6,
No. 248 James St
8 to 11 P.M.]

INVITATION TO A BALL.

The “At Home” form of invitation for a reception is often adopted for a ball with the word “Dancing” in one corner, though many people use the “At Home” form only for receptions.  For balls the hours are not limited as at receptions.  When the above form is not used for a ball, the invitation may read as follows: 

          “Mrs. Blair requests the pleasure of Miss Milton’s
          company at a ball, on Tuesday, February 7, at 9
          o’clock.”

Invitations to a ball are always given in the name of the lady of the house, and require an answer, which should not be delayed.  If the invitation is accepted, the answer should be as follows: 

          “Miss Milton accepts with pleasure Mrs. Blair’s
          kind invitation for Tuesday, February 7.”

If it is found impossible to attend, a note of regrets, something like the following, should be sent: 

“Miss Milton regrets that intended absence from home (or whatever may be the preventing cause) prevents her accepting Mrs. Blair’s kind invitation for February 7.”

INVITATION TO A LARGE PARTY.