rds indicating the
fact are written across the lower part of the card or in the lower
left-hand corner.

"R. s v. p." stands for the French phrase, "Respondez, sit vous
plait,"--meaning that a reply is desired.

[694 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Replies.--The reply to an invitation should be in the same form as the
invitation; thus if in the third person the reply should also be made in
the third person. Such invitations are the most formal. The reply is to be
addressed according to the wording of the invitation: thus if Mr. and Mrs.
John Henry Smith issue it, address the reply to them; if Mrs. John Henry
Smith's name alone appears, address it to her. The same rule applies to a
wedding invitation. The acknowledgement is sent to the parties issuing the
invitation, not to those to be married.

Must Not Ask Invitations.--It is not allowable to ask for an invitation to
a dinner, a luncheon or a card party for a guest or friend. These are
functions arranged for a definite number of guests; to include another
person is not possible. If your hostess knows you have a guest, she will,
if her arrangements make it practicable, include her; if not, there is no
slight to you or your guest. The presence of a guest does not excuse one
from a dinner, luncheon or card party, the invitation having been already
accepted. Provide some pleasure for your friend, or leave her to a quiet
evening at home.

In case a guest drops out at the last moment, as sometimes happens, one
may ask a very intimate friend, a relative, or some member of the family
to fill the vacant seat. Such a "last minute" invitation is no compliment:
one knows she is simply a substitute, but good sense and kindliness should
prompt the recipient to help out in the dilemma, which may happen to her
next time.

Other Particulars.--Dinner invitations are issued in the name of the host
and hostess, so also those for luncheons to which both men and women are
invited. Invitations to teas, card and garden parties, "at homes," balls,
and women's luncheons are in the name of the hostess alone.

Guests should present themselves punctually at the hour named in a dinner
or luncheon invitation, allowing themselves just time to remove wraps,
etc., before the meal is announced. It is almost unpardonable to be late.

Invitations are sent to people in mourning after the month following
bereavement, not because acceptance is expected, but as a compliment,
except that cards for dinners, lunche