envelope used.

Afternoon Tea.--The afternoon tea is a favorite method of paying off
social debts. Elaborate refreshments are not served. Tea is poured at the
dining table, by some friends asked to do so--it is thought quite a
compliment to be asked "to pour" For a very informal "at home" the hostess
may have a small table at hand and herself offer a cup of tea to her
visitors. For such a small affair she sends her visiting card with the
date written in the lower left hand corner. If many guests are expected
servants must be at hand to remove soiled dishes and replenish the tea and
cakes.

In acknowledgment of invitations, it is highly improper to send your card
with "regrets" written on it. An invitation is a courtesy offered; it must
be received courteously. You regret you "must decline the pleasure" of
accepting somebody's "kind--or polite--invitation."

[696 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

The Verbal Invitation.--Verbal invitations do not count for much. "Come
and dine with us some day" has no standing among invitations. The day and
hour must be named if it is to be reckoned with. And then--suppose the
hostess forgets she has given the invitation, or she prepares for a guest
who does not come! Except among very intimate friends the verbal
invitation should be looked upon with great caution. A verbal invitation
should be followed by a note repeating it.

WEDDING INVITATIONS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The number of wedding invitations often must conform to the size of the
church or the house, and to the character of the wedding. If it is to be a
large one, cards are usually sent as liberally as possible. An invitation
to the church may not invite to the reception at the house afterwards,
which may necessarily be limited because of the size of the house or the
means of the family. No guest receiving cards for the church should let
herself feel aggrieved because of failure to receive the other. Answers to
invitations should invariably be sent; many omit this, not thinking it
necessary, but why not?

Announcement cards are sent to everyone you know, or, more properly, to
all those whom you wish to recognize socially. It is quite correct to send
them to people you know but slightly. They are mailed immediately after
the wedding. They imply no obligation in the way of gift or reply. If an
"at home" card is enclosed, calls are expected.

Correct Form.

Wedding invitations of course must be engraved. The following form is
empl