Page:A Desk Book on the Etiquette of Social Stationary.djvu/40

 It is an act of courtesy if one has enioyed a friend's hospitality for one or more days, to write immediately a short note of appreciation. Such a line may touch upon one's safe home arrival, any little incident of the journey, and express the pleasure derived from the visit.

An invitation, no matter how informal, must be answered within a week and with certainty. Any delay, or doubtful expression that you think you can come, or will come if in town, is the height of ill breeding. Your hostess wishes to know exactly how many guests to expect, and your answer must be a positive one. The wording of acceptance or regret follows exactly that of the invitation and is addressed to the person who invites you. Invitations to informal affairs—small dinner, luncheon, or a week's end—may be written on note sheets and couched in the first person. The wording should cover only the matter in hand, be free from stiff, stock phrases, and pleasingly cordial in tone.

For the house party the hostess may begin her note of invitation: