This may be still more brief than the address of welcome. To say that the
reception is hearty, that it gives pleasure and is gratefully received
and appreciated, is all that is essential. An invitation to return the
visit should not be forgotten, if circumstances are such that it can be
appropriately made. Then the speaker has an opportunity to review any
portion of the preceding speech and express his indorsement of any of the
assertions made. He should not dissent from them, unless this dissent can
be made the means of a little adroit flattery by placing a higher estimate
upon the entertainers and their services than their own speaker has done,
or by modestly disclaiming some of the praise that has been given. The
novice must avoid being carried too far by this fascinating review, both as
to the quantity and the quality of the disagreement.
A closing sentence may be, "Allow me once more, most heartily, to thank
you for this generous welcome to--your homes--your headquarters--to the
hospitalities of your city," as the case may be.