Page:Ronald - The Century Cookbook.djvu/27

Rh note informally, and, by stating the reason, show that the regret is not merely a perfunctory expression.

Verbal invitations or replies should never be given for formal entertainments. R. S. V. P. should not be put on a dinner invitation. Every well-bred person knows an answer is necessary, and it is a reflection upon good manners to assume that no reply would be given if the request for it were omitted. It is important also that the reply should repeat, in the same words as the invitation, the date and hour of the dinner, so, if any mistake has inadvertently been made, it may be corrected, thus establishing an exact understanding.

A dinner engagement is the most exacting of any social obligation, and no greater discourtesy can be shown than to break it except for serious cause.

''99 West A Street, Dec. 1st.''

Envelop addressed to Mrs. John B. Smith.

''66 West B Street, Dec. 1st.''

Envelop addressed to Mrs. James J. James.