Page:A Desk Book on the Etiquette of Social Stationary.djvu/82

 But it is far more important to know good writing paper when you see it than it is to know these other things. Your self-respect demands that your stationery shall be good enough for you—that it shall faithfully represent your taste—that it shall lend itself to the easy writing of letters.

A good writing paper is one that is in itself a thing of beauty, that is easy to write upon, and that has the shape, size, color and surface that social usage says is the best form.

Such a paper, because of its beauty and appropriateness, makes it easier to write letters. The use of such a paper is the most delicate compliment you can pay to the taste of your friend.

The moment you ask yourself whether the paper you are now using is good enough for a particular letter you have to write, you have recognized a higher standard, both your own and that of your friend.

It is easy for us to tell you the name of a paper which meets all requirements, but we