I read and
reread. They are always fresh and interesting to me. They are a complete
index to the character of the writer, and they serve, after long years
have passed, to bring up again delightful pictures of days and scenes
which were brighter. However, there is one rule a man must observe:
never keep a compromising letter--if you should receive one--especially
from a woman. Sometimes women are foolish and careless, and they allow
their pens to run away with them. They bitterly regret their folly, and
the very idea that there exists somewhere a packet of letters which
would bring serious trouble, if not ruin, upon them and those they love,
is a cause of constant grief and worry. I know that there are letters
written by one once dear, but now perhaps turned fickle or false, or
separated from us forever, from which we feel loath to part; but we must
be men and reduce to ashes what would hurt in the very least degree or
cast a reflection upon an innocent if silly woman. Suppose you were to
die suddenly, and among your papers these letters were found, with you
alone, dumb in death, perhaps, only able to vindicate the unfortunate
writer. We must think of those things. They belong to the _personnel_
not only of a true gentleman, but they appeal to our common sense.

Character is frequently judged by handwriting. Write a good, clear,
legible hand, without any flourishes, and always use the best and the
blackest of ink. The typewriter is employed only for business
correspondence.

For social correspondence use only Irish-linen white note paper,
unruled, with square envelopes to match. Fancy or tinted note paper of
any kind is vulgar. If you have a permanent residence your address can
be legibly engraved in one color, usually blue or scarlet, at the head
of the first sheet. If you are a member of a club, the club note paper
is proper for all social correspondence. If you want to, use your crest
in lieu of address, but this practice is somewhat strained in this
country. Always add the date in writing. In letters, the day, the month,
and the year should be written. In notes you only put the day--for
instance, "Saturday the twenty-second." The best signature is "Sincerely
yours," and not "Yours sincerely." In England the quaint "Faithfully
yours" is used for business correspondence. Tradespeople and servants
only sign "Respectfully yours."

In America we "esquire" all men who are our equals. A butcher, a baker,
a tailor or othe