Notes of invitation and reply should be written on small paper of the very best quality. For large parties, balls, etc, people now generally use printed cards.

When a note of invitation to dinner is written, it should be in the third person, and in the names of both the lady and gentleman of the house.

"Mr. and Mrs. - - request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. - - 's company at dinner on Monday, Dec. - , at 8 o'clock".

The answer accepting should be -

"Mr. and Mrs.------have much pleasure in accepting Mrs. - - 's invitation for Dec. - ".

Or, refusing the invitation -

" Mr. and Mrs. Moore regret that a previous engagement will prevent them from having the pleasure of accepting Mr. and Mrs.------'s kind invitation for Dec. - ".

Or -

" Mr. and Mrs. Moore regret extremely that owing to a prior engagement they cannot have the pleasure of dining with Mr. and Mrs.------on Monday, Dec. - ".

If there be any other cause for refusal, it should be stated in as few words as possible.

Invitations for balls are sent on printed cards three weeks previous to the day fixed. The card is the usual "At home" card with the word "dancing" printed in the corner; the word "ball" is used only for quite large ones. These invitations, as well as those to " five o'clock teas " and evening parties, are given in the name of the lady only.

We mention this fact, because a lady of our acquaintance tells us that she has known an instance in which some excellent people were vexed, and fancied they had offended the gentleman of the house, because the invitation was sent in the name of the lady only. They asked, " What they had done to offend Mr. - -, as he had not joined in the invitation to them?"

Never ask a friend, either in a note or by word of mouth, to " take tea" with you - it is a vulgarism; you should say " drink tea?

Example of a friendly note: -

" Dear Miss A. -

" We have some friends coming to drink tea with us to-morrow; will you give us the pleasure of your company also? We hope you will not disappoint us".

In writing to persons of rank above your own, you should "request the honour" instead of "pleasure" of their company.

In writing to a perfect stranger on business of any kind, you should begin your letter with " Sir," or " Madam," and sign yourself " Your obedient servant".

It is usual to write to tradesmen in the third person; as -

" Mrs.------will thank Mr. Jones to send her five yards of lace, etc, at his earliest convenience".

If writing to a servant, begin with her name, thus -

"Mary Smith, -

" Your character is satisfactory, etc. etc, and you can enter my service on Monday, 18th inst., when my present housemaid leaves.

"Jane Morris".

The signature alone is sufficient to this kind of letter; or you may write in the third person, and say -

" Mrs. Morris is satisfied with Mary Jones's character, and will receive her into her service on Monday, Dec. - ".

Thus much for the mere etiquette of letter-writing. We may add, that to answer a letter promptly is a civility, and in some instances a kindness.

Invitations ought to receive an immediate reply if the card bears R.S.V.P. If you accept an invitation to dinner, nothing but illness or the death of friends ought to excuse you from keeping your engagement; as it is very disagreeable for the lady who gives the dinner party to have a vacant seat at the table, and, perhaps, an odd number to send in to dinner. Send an excuse (if one must be made) in time to allow her to supply your place.