n of a knight or members
of a younger branch of a noble house. Later all graduates of universities,
professional and literary men, and important landholders were given the
right to this title, which even to-day denotes a man of education--a
gentleman. John Smith, esquire, is John Smith, gentleman. Mr. John Smith
may be a gentleman; or may not be one. And yet, as noted above, all
engraved invitations are addressed "Mr."

Never under any circumstances address a social letter or note to a married
woman, even if she is a widow, as Mrs. Mary Town. A widow is still Mrs.
James Town. If her son's wife should have the same name, she becomes Mrs.
James Town, Sr., or simply Mrs. Town.

A divorced woman, if she was the innocent person, retains the right if she
chooses, to call herself Mrs. John Brown Smith, but usually she prefers to
take her own surname. Supposing her to have been Mary Simpson, she calls
herself Mrs. Simpson Smith. If a lady is the wife or widow of "the head of
a family" she may call herself Mrs. Smith, even on visiting cards and
invitations.

The eldest daughter is Miss Smith; her younger sister, Miss Jane Smith.

Invitations to children are addressed, Miss Katherine Smith and Master
Robert Smith.

Do not write "The Messrs. Brown" in addressing a father and son. "The
Messrs. Brown" is correct only for unmarried brothers.

Although one occasionally sees an envelope addressed to "Mr. and Mrs.
Jones," and "Miss Jones" written underneath the names of her parents, it
is better form to send a separate invitation addressed to Miss Jones
alone. A wedding invitation addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Jones and family is
not in good taste. Even if the Jones children are young, the Misses Jones
should receive a separate envelope, and so should Master Jones.

=ONE LAST REMARK=

Write the name and address on the envelope as precisely and as legibly as
you can. The post-office has enough to do in deciphering the letters of
the illiterate, without being asked to do unnecessary work for you!

=BUSINESS LETTERS=

Business letters written by a private individual differ very little from
those sent out from a business house. A lady never says "Yours of the 6th
received and contents noted," or "Yours to hand," nor does she address the
firm as "Gentlemen," nor does she _ever_ sign herself "Respectfully." A
business letter should be as brief and explicit as possible. For example:

Tuxedo Park