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 party, or must pay the gas bill before the tenth of the month if we expect the discount.

Nothing brings more pleasure than the unexpected personal letter, the gracious note of thanks, or a line of congratulation when one has met with happiness or good fortune. It's like getting an unexpected check from home, or having one's salary raised, or finding a five dollar bill in an old pair of trousers.

Don't come in on a freight train. Christmas letters should get off before Easter; letters of congratulation should not be delayed until the event has lost its joy or has been forgotten. If is in May, you should write your letter of thanks before August. Even from a purely selfish point of view it would be a good thing to learn and practice the art of paying these social debts. There are few things that bring one surer favor, or that give one better standing with one's friends than a reputation for thoughtfulness in letter writing.