hat is generally used, and that is "Mesdames," abbreviated
"Mmes." before their names.

The formal conclusions of letters are: "Respectfully yours," used to a
superior; "Sincerely yours," or "Truly yours," used largely in
business, or the same forms with the adverb "Very" preceding them.
Less formal terms are: "Cordially yours," "Fraternally yours," or the
pronoun with any appropriate adverb which the originality of the
writer may suggest. Less abrupt, but not less formal, endings are:
"With best regards, I am," etc.; "With kindest regards, I remain,"
etc.; "Believe me Very sincerely yours."

For intimate letters either to relatives or friends no specified
suggestions are needed. The ordinary form, "Your affectionate
daughter," or "niece," etc., may, however, be employed, in dearth of
special inspiration.

Distinction is sometimes made between business and social letters by
the position of "Yours,"--it being placed before the adverb in social
correspondence, and after in business. The tone of the letter may be
left to guide in this matter. There is an abruptness always somewhat
unpleasant in the use of the adverb alone.

Make the beginning and ending of a letter the same in degree of
cordiality. Do not begin formally "My dear Madam," and end "Cordially
yours."

Every letter should be signed with the full name of the writer. A
possible exception might be made of those addressed to members of
one's own family, where the use of the Christian name only would mean
no ambiguity, or where the signing of the surname gives a touch of
formality. It is well, however, to remember that letters placed in
the post take the chances of fortune, and, with the plainest of
addresses, may, by the absence of the person or for some other cause,
bring up in the Dead-Letter Office. Their resurrection there will
depend upon their containing the full name of the sender as well as
his address. If a letter is valuable enough to send, it is valuable
enough to sign, even if the signature be double,--first the familiar
or given name, and then, in the lower left-hand corner, the full name.

It is well to use always the name which is your legal signature. This
will prevent confusion, and forestall the possibility of your putting,
from force of habit, the wrong form of your name upon a legal
document.

It is well to write one's name in full. Three complete names are none
too many for individual distinction in so crowded a world as is ours.
If,