CHAPTER III

PRIVATE BUSINESS

_We include under this head, letters on matters of business between parties that do not belong to the world of affairs._

=95. Asking a Friend to Make a Purchase for the Writer.=

T----, April 21, 19--.

My Dear Miss Clancy:--

Will it impose too much upon your kindness to ask you to attend to a little business for me?

I want to buy a nice wrap, and I have no idea what people are wearing just now. I seldom go to town, as you know, and there are no styles to study in these parts; indeed, we are very primitive as regards dress, and I do not like to trust entirely to fashion plates, for fear of ordering something exaggerated.

Your taste is excellent, and you know so exactly what is most suitable to my figure and height, that I should feel more than satisfied if you would choose a coat for me at about $45, for which I enclose a check.

Have you been buying anything pretty this spring? I know you are a great authority on dress, and I suppose you brought home some exquisite gowns from Paris. Are the hats as large as ever? and what will be the favorite color this season?

We are as usual very quiet down here; but I am going to pay a few visits in the northern part of the State, next month.

Believe me, dear Miss Clancy, with many thanks in advance,

Affectionately yours, EVELYN T. INNES. P. S.--I enclose measurements.

=96. From a Lady Asking a Friend to Visit Furnished Houses for Rent.=

P----, January 10, 19--.

Dear Mrs. Durant:--

We are thinking of coming to visit the city for the rest of the winter, if we can find a small furnished house to suit us. Messrs. Roberts & Higgins, Real Estate Agents, of---- B'way, have sent me several particulars of houses, which they highly recommend.

Would you be so very kind as to go over and examine for me two houses for which I have received visiting permits (enclosed), and tell me your opinion of them; whether they are fairly well furnished, and thoroughly clean--I mean as regards bedding, etc.

They ask a very moderate rent--$30 per week--so that I do not expect too much in the way of furniture and carpets, and I shall be satisfied if you could give a satisfactory report as to the general condition of things in either of these houses.

It would be a real favor if you would do this for me, as I am anxious to avoid the journey to town which personal attention to this matter would entail.

Thanking you warmly in advance, and hoping that we shall see a great deal of each other next winter,

Believe me, as ever, Very truly yours, HARRIET BILLINGS.

=97. From a Lady to a Friend, Asking Her to Engage Rooms at the Sea-shore.=

C----, June 15, 19--.

Dear Mrs. Johnson:--

We have almost decided to spend two months at Long Branch, and I should much prefer taking furnished apartments to going to a hotel. I thought perhaps you might be able to recommend us some rooms where we should be comfortable. If not, would you mind the trouble of making a few inquiries?

We should like to face the sea if possible, and require a sitting-room and three bed-rooms, with private bath. I suppose the rent would be about $25 per week.

Should you see any rooms likely to suit, would you engage them for us from the 1st of July for eight weeks certain? I fear the place will be very full, and that without your help we should have no little difficulty on our arrival in securing desirable accommodation.

I hope we shall have fine weather during our stay at the sea-shore, and see a great deal of you all.

With our united kind regards, believe me,

Very sincerely your friend, ELLEN BROOKES.

=98. From a Lady to a Lawyer Requesting His Immediate Attendance upon Her Father.=

B----, February 14, 19--.

Henry T. Turner, Esq.

DEAR SIR:--

My father requests me to ask you to call upon him this afternoon, if convenient, on urgent business; he seems very anxious, and begged me to lose no time in sending the message.

Faithfully yours, MAY WILKINSON.

=99. From a Lady to a Medical Man, Requesting His Immediate Attendance.=

G----, August 10, 19--.

Dear Dr. Stanley:--

My little girl is suffering from a severe sore throat. I shall be glad if you will call and see her this forenoon. I feel very anxious about her, and am afraid I ought to have sent for you yesterday.

Very truly yours, EVELYN G. DINSMORE.

=100. From a Lady to a Medical Man, Asking for His Account.=

G----, October 3, 19--.

Mrs. Dinsmore presents her compliments to Dr. Stanley, and wishes to know the amount she is indebted to him for his attendance on her daughter, as she is going to leave G----, in a few days.

=101. To a Gentleman Concerning a Note the Writer has Indorsed for Him.=

O----, January 9, 19--.

My Dear Robinson:--

I was persuaded to indorse a note for you on the clear understanding that the money would be forthcoming at the time agreed upon, and that I should hear nothing more regarding it. I yesterday received notice from a Mr. Wilson, whom I do not know, that the note has been presented at your bank, but payment refused, and I have, of course, been compelled to pay it at once, at great inconvenience to myself. You will have the goodness to attend to this matter immediately, and, allow me to add, you had no right to deceive me in this way.

Yours truly, MARTIN LLOYD.

=102. Requesting a Loan from a Friend.=

N----, December 10, 19--.

My Dear Williams:--

May I ask a favor of you, with the hope that you will be able to grant it? I have a most pressing need for $300. Do you think you could oblige me with that sum for a couple of months, when I shall refund the amount promptly? I feel the greatest reluctance in making this request, and only the extreme urgency of the case induces me to do so, although I feel that, if it is in your power to serve me, you certainly will not hesitate to do so.

Believe me, dear Williams, Ever yours, HARRY DENISON.

=103. Answer to the Above.=

N----, December 12, 19--.

My Dear Denison:--

I hasten to answer your note of Saturday, which reached my desk this a.m. Nothing would have done me greater pleasure than to come to your assistance to the full amount requested. But I am pretty hard up myself, especially toward the end of the year. Still, I don't feel like leaving an old friend in a hole, and I beg you to accept the loan of the $100 enclosed, to be returned at your convenience.

I trust that all are well at home. Hoping to see you soon, well and hearty,

I remain, Your sincere friend, PHILLIP WILLIAMS.

=104. Asking a Relative for a Temporary Loan.=

P----, December 10, 19--.

My Dear Bess:--

I am in great financial trouble at the present moment, being unexpectedly called upon to pay a heavy bill of costs to my lawyers, which they demand in a rather threatening manner. You know that I recently lost an important suit which I found among the assets (?) of my poor Harry. The bill amounts to $357, and they ask for this amount within ten days. I am unable to meet this heavy sum just now, and I write to ask if you would be so very kind as to lend me $125.

You may depend upon my repaying you as soon as my late husband's affairs are straightened out; although, I must say, the resources left me, after all just debts shall have been settled, will be possibly inadequate to meet my many expenses, which renders this, may I say extortionate, demand the harder to submit to; but in the hands of lawyers one feels helpless and powerless. At least this is my experience of the profession.

I do trust you may be able to grant my request. I shall be sincerely grateful to you for any assistance you can give me.

Believe me, Your affectionate cousin, MABEL DWIGHT.

=105. From a Lady to Another Concerning a Furnished Country House.=

N----, August 15, 19--.

Mrs. Edwards presents her compliments to Mrs. Robbins; she understands from her friend Mrs. Ludlow, that Briar Villa is to be let furnished for next year's season--from May to November--, and she thinks from the description it would be very likely to suit her; perhaps Mrs. Robbins will let Mrs. Edwards know when it will be convenient for her to see it.

=106. Answer to the Above.=

B----, August 6, 19--.

Mrs. Robbins presents her compliments to Mrs. Edwards, and begs to thank her for her note respecting her house, but she has already received an offer for it, which she is disposed to accept. However, should the matter fall through, she will let Mrs. Edwards know at once.

=107. From a Young Lady Desirous of Securing Farm-House Board.=

S----, May 27, 19--.

Mrs. Silas Marner, The Uplands Farm, B---- Lake, Minn.

DEAR MADAM:--

I have had charge for four years of the millinery department in one of the largest dry goods establishments in this city. During that period it has never seemed convenient for me to take a vacation. The time has at last come when I must seek full relaxation; although not an invalid, I am dreadfully run down. The doctor prescribes immediate and thorough rest. He says I do not require medicine, but a month in a quiet home, where I shall have pure air, plain food and no worry. Miss Etheridge, who is a friend of mine, and was a neighbor of yours until she came to S----, says the Uplands Farm is the very place for me, and that you are just the kindly friend I need to make a month of peace and quiet a season of perfect delight. I write, therefore, to ask if you could find room for me in your hospitable home, and on what terms. I promise to give you little trouble, for I am not an invalid, nor am I given to "fine city ways," or full of foolish fancies. I want perfect freedom from care and worry; to sleep, to read, to ramble in the woods and meadows; anything to give my poor, tired mind and body four weeks of unbroken rest. Miss Etheridge will write by this mail, and I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience, as I should like to begin my vacation about June 17.

I am, dear madam, Yours truly, SELMA WHITE.

=108. Answer to the Above.=

The Uplands Farm, B---- Lake, Minn. May 29, 19--.

My Dear Miss White:--

I was a little surprised to find two letters awaiting me at the post office this morning. I am afraid our mutual friend, Miss Etheridge, has been drawing a little upon her imagination.

We are a very plain sort of people at the Uplands Farm, as she knows right well. Still, if simple living, fresh air, and perfect rest is what you require, I think we can accommodate you. B---- Lake is within walking distance, and the whole neighborhood is very beautiful. If $---- for the month's board meets your views, I think I could undertake to entertain you, with the hope of providing what you desire.

Pray give my kind regards to Miss Etheridge.

Yours very truly, SUSAN MARNER.

=109. From a Lady Desirous of Placing a Sick Child at a Farm House.=

D----, May 17, 19--.

Mrs. Matthew Jones, The Hollands Farm, W----.

DEAR MADAM:--

My little girl, Mary, who is just 11 years old, has been growing much too fast for her health. The doctor says there is nothing at all the matter with her, and that she has a splendid constitution, but thinks a little special attention just now would be of great advantage to her through life, and he, therefore, suggests that she spend the coming summer at a farm house, where she would have the benefit of a simple fare and of living almost entirely in the open air.

Mary is not an invalid, nor even in delicate health. If you could make it convenient to board her for the summer, I should esteem it a great favor. You are not very far from D----, so Mary could occasionally visit her home and some of us could come out and visit her; in that way she would not probably be troubled with homesickness. She is a good, obedient child, and would give you little trouble. I shall be glad to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

I remain, dear madam, Yours truly, AGNES WILLIAMS.

=110. Answer to the Above.=

The Hollands Farm, W----, May 20, 19--.

My Dear Mrs. Williams:--

Your letter of the 17th to hand. I think I could make room for your daughter during the summer if, as your letter indicates, she would be perfectly content with plain living and the simple comforts of a farmhouse. I find my second daughter, Sophia, is already acquainted with your little girl, having met her on two or three occasions at D---- during the Christmas holidays of last year. This would make it pleasant for both children.

As to details, since you are not more than two or three hours' ride from us, would it not be well if you could make the short journey? Matters could be settled so much easier by an interview than by letters.

I am, Yours truly, ALICE JONES.

=111. From a Lady to a Teacher of Music.=

Mrs. Howland would be obliged if Signor Leonti would let her know the terms for a course of twelve lessons at her own residence; perhaps Signor Leonti would make it convenient to call upon her any morning during this week before 1 o'clock, when he would be able to judge of the progress her daughter has already made.

C----, May 7, 19--.

=112. Answer to the Above.=

Signor Leonti presents his compliments to Mrs. Howland, and begs to say that his terms are $5 per lesson of forty-five minutes, at pupil's home; he makes no reduction for a course of lessons. He will have the honor of calling on Mrs. Howland on Thursday morning at 11.

C----, May 8, 19--.

=113. To an Artist Concerning a Portrait.=

Mrs. Donaldson is very desirous of having a portrait of her husband painted by Monsieur Carolus. Will he therefore kindly appoint the most convenient hour to receive her at his studio, when the price of the portrait, the number of sittings to be given, and other details can be discussed.

N----, March 17, 19--.

=114. From a Lady Asking Private Reformation about a School.=

N----, June 10, 19--.

Dear Mrs. Beamans:--

Will you allow me to ask you a few questions respecting a school kept by the Misses Primley. I understand your little girl is one of their pupils. Are you thoroughly satisfied with the system of education followed at this school, and are the domestic arrangements with regard to comfort and living all that you could wish? My little girl is rather delicate, and requires care. Do you think she would be happy in the Misses Primley's charge, and is your daughter likely to remain with them beyond this term? I should feel grateful for any confidential particulars you could give me on this to me most important subject, and hope you will kindly excuse my troubling you with these inquiries.

Thanking you in advance I remain, Very truly yours, EDITH CARRLYON.

=115. Answer to the Above.=

N----, June 12, 19--.

Dear Mrs. Carrlyon:--

You ask if my daughter is to remain at S---- beyond this term. I am seriously thinking of having her home at once, as she has not been at all well lately, and I doubt if the confinement of school hours altogether agrees with her. I can hardly express an opinion with respect to the progress she has made in her studies, as she has been there so short a time. I believe the living is fairly good, but, as you know, delicate children require especial care and attention. The Misses Primley's school was not personally recommended to me by any friend of mine; it came to my notice simply through an advertisement. I shall be glad to hear that these few lines have been of some service to you.

Believe me, as ever, Very truly yours, CARLOTTA BEAMANS.

_Chicago, Jan. 1, '95._

_Dear Readers,

This is a sample of business writing, written easily and rapidly, with the combined movement and a coarse pointed pen.

It is as simple as is consistent with ease and legibility and can be written continuously, for any length of time, without fatigue.

This style is the natural outcome from the study and practice of the standard forms.

Very truly, C. L. Ricketts._