appy event to offer my
congratulations in person, I write.

I am heartily glad you are going to be married, and
congratulate you upon the wisdom of your choice. You have won
a noble as well as a beautiful woman, and one whose love will
make you a happy man to your life's end. May God grant that
trouble may not come near you but should it be your lot, you
will have a wife to whom you can look with confidence for
comfort, and whose good sense and devotion to you will be your
sure and unfailing support.

That you may both be very happy, and that your happiness may
increase with your years, is the prayer of

Your Friend, FRANK HOWARD.

* * * * *

LETTER WRITING.

Any extravagant flattery should be avoided, both as tending to disgust
those to whom it is addressed, as well as to degrade the writers,
and to create suspicion as to their sincerity. The sentiments should
spring from the tenderness of the heart, and, when faithfully and
delicately expressed, will never be read without exciting sympathy or
emotion in all hearts not absolutely deadened by insensibility.

DECLARATION OF AFFECTION.

Dear Nellie: Will you allow me, in a few plain and simple
words, respectfully to express the sincere esteem and
affection I entertain for you, and to ask whether I may
venture to hope that these sentiments are returned? I love
you truly and earnestly and knowing you admire frankness
and candor in all things, I cannot think that you will take
offense at this letter. Perhaps it is self-flattery to suppose
I have any place in your regard. Should this be so, the error
will carry with it its own punishment, for my happy dream will
be over. I will try to think otherwise, however, and shall
await your answer with hope. Trusting soon to hear from you, I
remain, dear Nellie.

Sincerely Yours,
J.L. Master

To Miss Nellie Reynolds,
Hartford, Conn.

[Illustration]

* * * * *

FORMS OF LOVE LETTERS.

_12.--An Ardent Declaration._

Naperville, Ill., June 10th, 1915

My Dearest Laura:

I can no longer restrain myself from writing to you, dearest
and best of girls, what I have often been on the point of
saying to you. I love you so much that I cannot find words in
which to express my feelings. I have loved you from the very