hat it is all over, I have a confession to make! Do you know
that when Dick drove me up to your front door and I saw you and
Uncle Bob standing on the top step--I was simply _paralyzed_ with
fright!

"Suppose they don't like me," was all that I could think. Of
course, I knew you loved Dick--but that only made it worse. How
awful, if you _couldn't_ like me! The reason I stumbled coming up
the steps was because my knees were actually knocking together!
You remember, Uncle Bob sang out it was good I was already
married, or I wouldn't be this year? And then--you were both so
perfectly adorable to me--and you made me feel as though I had
always been your niece--and not just the wife of your nephew.

I loved every minute of our being with you, dear Aunt Annie, just
as much as Dick did, and we hope you are going to let us come
soon again.

With best love from us both,

Your affectionate niece,
Helen.

The above type of letter would not serve perhaps if Dick's aunt had been a
forbidding and austere type of woman; but even such a one would be far
more apt to take a new niece to her heart if the new niece herself gave
evidence of having one.

_After Visiting a Friend_

Dear Kate:

It was hideously dull and stuffy in town this morning after the
fresh coolness of Strandholm. The back yard is not an alluring
outlook after the wide spaces and delicious fragrance of your
garden.

It was good being with you and I enjoyed every moment. Don't
forget you are lunching here on the 16th and that we are going to
hear Kreisler together.

Devotedly always,
Caroline.

_From a Man Who Has Been Ill and Convalescing at a Friend's House_

Dear Martha:

I certainly hated taking that train this morning and realizing
that the end had come to my peaceful days. You and John and the
children, and your place, which is the essence of all that a
"home" ought to be, have put me on my feet again. I thank you
much--much more than I can say for the wonderful goodness of all
of you.

Fred.

_From a Woman Who Has Been Visiting a Very Old Friend_

I loved my visit with you, dear Mary; it was more than good to be
with you and have a chance for long talks at your fireside. Don't
forget your promise to come here in May! I told Sam and Hettie
you were coming, and now the