some such note should be
written, and, as it can always include little matters of general
interest in connection with the past visit, it need neither be over
ceremonious nor coldly polite.

* * * * *

=To write a letter asking for an invitation=, or to answer a letter
asking for an invitation, is in either case a difficult letter to write,
as many have ere this discovered. When a married lady asks for an
invitation for a young relative or friend staying with her, to some
dance or "at home" to which she herself is invited, the note is simple
enough, and the answer is generally a card of invitation or a written
permission to bring her. Again, in the case of asking for invitations
for gentlemen, if a lady is going to a ball, she can without hesitation,
ask for cards of invitation for one or two gentlemen friends of her own,
mentioning their names in the note. In this case also the answer is
generally in the affirmative, as men are always acquisitions at a ball.
The awkwardness of the situation arises when a good-natured person is
solicited to obtain an invitation to a smart ball for a lady and her
daughters, or for the young ladies only, the latter knowing some one who
would chaperon them if they could only get an invitation. If the lady
who asks for the invitation is a fashionable ball-giver, the probability
is that her request will be granted; but if the contrary, the reverse
will most likely be the case. Even when writing to an intimate friend,
there is always a delicacy in asking for an invitation for a third
person, and society appears to become, year after year, still more
exclusive on this point. Many people are reluctant, or decline
altogether, to put themselves under an obligation of this nature, even
for those with whom they are most intimate; it may be that the number of
refusals good-natured people have received from their friends when
trying to render services of this description, have made them chary of
putting themselves forward again in a similar manner: it is chilling to
be told that the list is over full, or that so many people have been
refused already, or that there is not a card to spare. But a few years
ago a ball was not considered a success unless it was an over-crowded
one; the popularity of the ball-giver was shown by the guests scarcely
being able to find standing-room. Thus, invitations were given right
and left to the friends of those who asked for them.

But