to your crew, I will readily do my best. I shall sleep in Chester, so we need not hurry in returning from our practice.
Yours sincerely,
George Sheepshanks.
Invitation to a Bachelor Party.
Kidderminster, February, 187—
Dear Fellows,
Yesterday I met Donovan and our four other old friends, who are here for a few days; they are coming to dine with me to-morrow at seven. I know it is some years since you met them; I hope you will make one of our party.
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
F. Cunningham.
Accepting the same.
Hill House, Kidderminster, Feb. 187—
Dear Cunningham,
It will afford me the very greatest pleasure to dine with you to-morrow at seven. It is many years since I met those you mention, but I have a vivid recollection of passing many pleasant hours in their society and companionship.
Believe me,
Yours sincerely,
Harry Fellows.
Invitation to a Gentleman to a Friendly Dinner.
Dunland Place, Oct. 1st, 187—
Dear Hindmarsh,
I heard by the merest accident, yesterday evening, that you were in town. Will you come and dine with us to-morrow? You know our time, but I may as well remind you that it is seven o'clock. I met J. F——, and our intimate friend from the north, yesterday. They will be here, and we shall have a little music in the evening, when I hope your tenor voice will be in its usual power and sweetness. All join in best regards.
Yours very sincerely, ______
Postponing a Visit.
Greenfield, October 10th.
My dear George,
I regret extremely that we are obliged to ask you to postpone your visit till next month.
We can not get the house at Brighton for which we were in treaty, till that time, and our present abode is so small that we are unable to offer a bedroom to a friend.
I trust this delay will not inconvenience you. It is a great disappointment to us, as we longed equally for the sea and your company.
My wife unites with me in kind remembrances.
I am ever,
Yours very truly, ______
Same.
The Beeches, Sydenham,
November 6th.
My dear Tom,
I am sure you will be truly grieved to hear that the sudden and dangerous illness of my mother will oblige me to postpone our dinner party fixed for the 17th.
I hope to give you better news shortly, and renew my invitation.
Truly yours, ______
Invitation to be "Best Man" at a Wedding.
Reading, May 6th.
Dear Tom,
I intend to be "turned off" next Tuesday week! Will you attend on the mournful occasion as "best man?"
Seriously, I am to be married to my charming little Ada on the——, and I look for your presence at our bridal as the completion of my happiness, for then the man and woman I love best will unite in confirming my happiness.
Always yours, ______
Same.
Liphook, May 6th.
Dear John,
Julia has consented to our marriage on the 15th inst., and I scribble a line to remind you of your promise to be "best man" on the occasion. Marriage is supposed sometimes to separate bachelor friendships, but such will not be the case in my instance, my dear fellow. Julia has a great regard for you, and is too sensible and good to interfere between us with petty jealousies.
I am awfully happy, Jack! Wish me joy, and
Believe me
Ever your true friend, ______
Accepting.
The Albany, May 7th.
Dear——,
I shall be delighted to assist at the important event fixed for the——, and beg to offer my best congratulations to Miss—— and yourself on your approaching happiness.
I intend to offer as my wedding gift a drawing-room clock. My object in naming this intention to you is that, if you are likely to receive a similar gift from any other friend, you will tell me so, and I will exchange it for something else, as duplicate gifts are a great bore.
Ever, dear Hal,
Your true old friend,
John.
Invitation to join a Party to the Derby.
Knightsbridge, May 22.
Dear Norris,
Three of our fellows have agreed to go to the Derby together in a drag, and we shall be very glad if you will make a fourth. Jervis drives.
Don't refuse, old fellow; we shall have a jolly day, and I shall enjoy it doubly if you go with us.
Yours truly, ______
Same.
Green Bank, May 23rd.
Dear Reid,
Will you accompany a party of us to-morrow to the Derby?
Let me have an answer by bearer, and take care that it is in the affirmative.
Yours ever, ______
Accepting.
London, May 23rd.
Dear George,
I shall have much pleasure in accompanying you to the Derby. Let me know, please, the hour at which you start.
I am, ever,
Yours truly,
J. Reid.
Refusing.
London, May 23rd.
Dear Bob,
It is awfully unlucky, but I am obliged to go to Chester on the Derby day, and can't do as I desire. I wish you a pleasant trip.
I am ever, yours truly, ______
Love-letter from a Gentleman to a Lady.
The Temple, June 4th.
Dearest,
Days have passed by now since we have had the pleasure of a few moments' conversation even; how these hours have dragged their slow pace along you and I alone can tell. It is only when we are left to the peaceful enjoyment of our own society that time flies. It may be that to-morrow at Mrs. E.'s we shall have a little time alone. We all dine there; she told me she should have a dance also, and that your mamma had promised her your sister and yourself should be of the party. May I ask for the first waltz? I send a few flowers, but I imagine you will only wear one, the rose in your hair; your sister is always pleased with a bouquet, so I shall not be very angry if you let her have them, only wear my rose.
Your own
Edward.
A Sailor to his Sweetheart.
H.M.S. Centaur, June 14th, 187-
My