1. LOVE.--There is no greater or more profound reality than love. Why that
reality should be obscured by mere sentimentalism, with all its train of
absurdities is incomprehensible. There is no nobler possession than the
love of another. There is no higher gift from one human being to another
than love. The gift and the possession are true sanctifiers of life, and
should be worn as precious jewels without affectation and without
bashfulness. For this reason there is nothing to be ashamed of in a love
letter, provided it be sincere.
2. FORFEITS.--No man need consider that he forfeits dignity if he speaks
with his whole heart: no woman need fear she forfeits her womanly
attributes if she responds as her heart bids her respond. "Perfect love
casteth out fear" is as true now as when the maxim was first given to the
world.
3. TELLING THEIR LOVE.--The generality of the sex is love to be loved: how
are they to know the fact that they {38} are loved unless they are told? To
write a sensible love letter requires more talent than to solve, with your
pen, a profound problem in philosophy. Lovers must not then expect much
from each other's epistles.
4. CONFIDENTIAL.--Ladies and gentlemen who correspond with each other
should never be guilty of exposing any of the contents of any letters
written expressing confidence, attachment or love. The man who confides in
a lady and honors her with his confidence should be treated with perfect
security and respect, and those who delight in showing their confidential
letters to others are unworthy, heartless and unsafe companions.
5. RETURN OF LETTERS.--If letters were written under circumstances which no
longer exist and all confidential relations are at an end, then all letters
should be promptly returned.
6. HOW TO BEGIN A LOVE LETTER.--How to begin a love letter has been no
doubt the problem of lovers and suitors of all ages and nations. Fancy the
youth of Young America with lifted pen, thinking how he shall address his
beloved. Much depends upon this letter. What shall he say, and how shall he
say it, is the great question. Perseverance, however, will solve the
problem and determine results.
7. FORMS OF BEGINNING A LOVE LETTER.--Never say, "My Dearest Nellie," "My
Adored Nellie," or "My Darling Nellie," until Nellie has first called you
"My Dear," or has given you to understand that such familiar terms are
permissible. As a rule a gentleman will never err if he says "Dear Miss
Nellie," and if the letters are cordially reciprocated the "Miss" may in
time be omitted, or other familiar terms used instead. In addressing a
widow "Dear Madam," or, "My Dear Madam," will be a proper form until
sufficient intimacy will justify the use of other terms.
8. RESPECT.--A lady must always be treated with respectful delicacy, and a
gentleman should never use the term "Dear" or "My Dear" under any
circumstances unless he knows it is perfectly acceptable or a long and
friendly acquaintance justifies it.
9. HOW TO FINISH A LETTER.--A letter will be suggested by the remarks on
how to begin one. "Yours respectfully," "Yours truly," "Yours sincerely,"
"Yours affectionately," "Yours ever affectionately," "Yours most
affectionately," "Ever yours," "Ever your own," or "Yours," are all
appropriate, each depending upon the beginning of the letter. It is
difficult to see any phrase which could be added to them which would carry
more meaning than they {39} contain. People can sign themselves "adorers"
and such like, but they do so at the peril of good taste. It is not good
that men or women "worship" each other--if they succeed in preserving
reciprocal love and esteem they will have cause for great contentment.
10. PERMISSION.--No young man should ever write to a young lady any letter,
formal or informal, unless he has first sought her permission to do so.
11. SPECIAL FORMS.--We give various forms or models of love letters to be
_studied, not copied_. We have given no replies to the forms given, as
every letter written will naturally suggest an answer. A careful study will
be a great help to many who have not enjoyed the advantages of a literary
education.
[Illustration]
_FORMS OF SOCIAL LETTERS._
* * * * *
_1.--From a Young Lady to a Clergyman Asking a Recommendation._
Nantwich, May 18th, 1894.
Reverend and Dear Sir:
Having seen an advertisment for a school mistress in the Daily Times, I
have been recommended to offer myself as a candidate. Will you kindly favor
me {40} with a testimonial as to my character, ability and conduct while at
Boston Normal School? Should you consider that I am fitted for the
position, you would confer a great favor on me if you would interest
yourself in my behalf.
I remain, Reverend Sir,
Your most obedient and humble servant,
LAURA B. NICHOLS.
_2.--Applying for a Position as a Teacher of Music._
Scotland, Conn., January 21st, 1894.
Madam:
Seeing your advertisement in The Clarion of to-day, I write to offer my
services as a teacher of music in your family.
I am a graduate of the Peabody Institute, of Baltimore, where I was
thoroughly instructed in instrumental and vocal music.
I refer by permission to Mrs. A. J. Davis, 1922 Walnut Street; Mrs.
Franklin Hill, 2021 Spring Garden Street, and Mrs. William Murray, 1819
Spruce Street, in whose families I have given lessons.
Hoping that you may see fit to employ me, I am,
Very respectfully yours,
NELLIE REYNOLDS.
_3.--Applying for a Situation as a Cook._
Charlton Place, September 8th, 1894.
Madam:
Having seen your advertisement for a cook in today's Times, I beg to offer
myself for your place. I am a thorough cook. I can make clear soups,
entrees, jellies, and all kinds of made dishes. I can bake, and am also
used to a dairy. My wages are $4 per week, and I can give good reference
from my last place, in which I lived for two years. I am thirty-three years
of age.
I remain, Madam,
Yours very respectfully,
MARY MOONEY.
_4.--Recommending a School Teacher._
Ottawa, Ill., February 10th, 1894.
Col. Geo. H. Haight,
President Board of Trustees, etc.
Dear Sir: I take pleasure in recommending to your favorable consideration
the application of Miss Hannah Alexander for the position of teacher in the
public school at Weymouth. {41}
Miss Alexander is a graduate of the Davidson Seminary, and for the past
year has taught a school in this place. My children have been among her
pupils, and their progress has been entirely satisfactory to me.
Miss Alexander is a strict disciplinarian, an excellent teacher, and is
thoroughly competent to conduct the school for which she applies.
Trusting that you may see fit to bestow upon her the appointment she seeks,
I am,
Yours very respectfully,
ALICE MILLER.
_5.--A Business Introduction._
Chicago., Ill., May 1st, 1894.
J. W. Brown,
Earlville, Ill.
My Dear Sir: This will introduce to you Mr. William Channing, of this city,
who visits Earlville on a matter of business, which he will explain to you
in person. You can rely upon his statements, as he is a gentleman of high
character, and should you be able to render him any assistance, it would be
greatly appreciated by
Yours truly,
HAIGHT LARABEE.
_6.--Introducing One Lady to Another._
Dundee, Tenn., May 5th, 1894.
Dear Mary:
Allow me to introduce to you my ever dear friend, Miss Nellie Reynolds, the
bearer of this letter. You have heard me speak of her so often that you
will know at once who she is. As I am sure you will be mutually pleased
with each other, I have asked her to inform you of her presence in your
city. Any attention you may show her will be highly appreciated by
Yours affectionately,
LIZZIE EICHER.
_7.--To a Lady, Apologizing for a Broken Engagement._
Albany, N. Y., May 10th, 1894.
My Dear Miss Lee:
Permit me to explain my failure to keep my appointment with you this
evening. I was on my way to your house, with the assurance of a pleasant
evening, when unfortunately I was very unexpectedly called from home on
very important business.
I regret my disappointment, but hope that the future may afford us many
pleasant meetings.
Sincerely your friend,
IRVING GOODRICH.
{42}
_8.--Form of an Excuse for a Pupil._
Thursday Morning, April 4th.
Mr. Bunnel:
You will please excuse William for non-attendance at school yesterday, as I
was compelled to keep him at home to attend to a matter of business.