CHAPTER II
REQUESTING OR GRANTING INTRODUCTIONS, FAVORS, ETC.
=261. From a Gentleman to the American Minister at Foreign Court, Requesting a Presentation.=
Mr. R. S. Howland begs to solicit the honor of a presentation to His Majesty the King of R----, through the kind offices of the American Minister, Hon. Matthew D. Clay.
Mr. Robert S. Howland was presented at the Court of St. James by Ambassador Foster, on March 23d, 19--.
Hotel de France, B----,
January 3, 19--.
=262. Answer to the Above.=
American Legation, B----, January 4, 19--.
Robert S. Howland, Esq., Hotel de France.
DEAR SIR:--
I am instructed by the United States Minister to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, requesting the honor of presentation to His Majesty the King, and I beg to inform you in reply, that your name has been entered on the list for presentation at the R---- Court on the next opportunity.
I remain, Yours obediently, PHILIP LIVINGSTON, Secretary to the U. S. Legation.
=263. A General Letter of Introduction.=
T----, November 14, 19--.
To Whom It May Concern:--
The bearer, Mr. Phillip Allen Taylor, of this city, having retired from a business that has proved eminently successful, is about to enter upon an extensive tour of travel. It has been for many years a cherished dream of his to visit, when released from business cares, the chief cities of his native land, and especially to wander through the majestic scenery of the far West. His plan has extended of late, and, unless the fatigues of travel should prove detrimental to his health, he may visit China and Japan, spend a winter in India, and return home by way of Europe. If in the course of these wanderings he should be fortunate enough to meet any of my numerous friends, especially in Florence, Paris, London or Glasgow, I trust this note will serve as a kindly introduction. Mr. Taylor is a whole-souled gentleman, and any kindness shown to him I shall consider a kindness shown to myself.
Your ever faithful friend, FRANCIS THURMAN BOYD.
=264. From a Lady Asking for a Letter of Introduction.=
N----, December 28, 19--.
Dear Mrs. Leonard:--
I make bold to ask if you would mail me an introduction to Mrs. Johnson Lathrop; I believe she is a great friend of yours, and should much like to know her. She gives charming musical parties, and has a large acquaintance among distinguished artists and literary people.
As you know, we came to this city to reside permanently, and, especially for my daughter's sake, I should like our circle of acquaintances to broaden in the right direction.
Accept my heartfelt thanks in advance, and, with kind regards to yourself and Mr. Leonard,
Believe me, Very sincerely yours, MARY DINSMORE.
=265. Asking a Lady to call on a Person Who is a Stranger to Her.=
S----, September 10, 19--.
My Dear Mrs. Graham:--
Some very charming people, friends of ours, Mr. and Mrs. Symonds, have taken a house in C----, No. 10 B---- Square, with a view of residing there permanently, and I should think it very kind if you would call on them. At present they find C----, socially speaking, rather dull, as they know hardly any one in the city, and it would make all the difference to them if they had a few pleasant acquaintances among your best people. I thought if you could show them any civility you would perhaps do so. You cannot fail to like Mrs. Symonds; she is a very pleasant woman, and she has written to me to ask if I had any friends in your city I could introduce her to.
With kind regards, believe me, Very sincerely yours, ELMIRA WHITE.
=266. From a Lady Asking for Letters of Introduction.=
A----, November 7, 19--.
My Dear Mrs. Lloyd:--
We expect to start for Europe next week, and intend passing the winter abroad. I think you told me you knew a great many people there, and I should be most grateful for one or two letters of introduction to any French or American families, as it would make our stay so much more agreeable if we made some pleasant acquaintances in Europe. Are you thinking of going to the south of France this winter? or do you feel strong enough to stand the Boston climate? I expect we shall find it very cold in Paris; is this your experience? Remember me kindly to Mr. Lloyd, and
Believe me, Very truly yours, HENRIETTA STONEBURY.
=267. From a Lady Introducing a Young Married Couple to a Friend.=
M----, December 3, 19--.
My Dear Helen:--
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Lane, dear friends of ours, will probably visit S----, on their wedding tour, and I have taken the liberty of asking them to call upon you during their stay in your city. They are very charming young people whom you will be delighted to know. I have spoken so often to them of you, and your dear husband and children, that they will scarcely deem themselves strangers. Any kindness you may be able to show to them during their brief visit I shall accept as shown to myself.
We trust you are all well. M---- is not very far from S----, and yet, for all chances of our meeting, it seems as though we might just as well be millions of miles apart. Give my love to all your happy household and believe me,
Dear Helen, Yours as ever, ELFRIDA DUNLAP.
=268. From a Father Introducing His Son to a Minister.=
M----, October 10, 19--.
Rev. Alexander McNaughton, N----.
Reverend and Dear Sir:--
Will you, very kindly pardon the liberty I take in introducing my youngest son, Matthew, to your notice? There is no doubt in my mind that the father's heart within you will understand and appreciate my solicitude on his behalf. Matthew has always been a good and obedient boy, but he is now leaving the quietude and shelter of a country home to face the varied and testing experiences of life in a great city. We have no fear but he will conduct himself in a manner worthy of his home and of his early training; at the same time I feel it my duty to do all in my power to secure for him the best influences and the happiest surroundings; and have, therefore, allowed myself to send him directly to you. He has been urged by me to attend your church, and we shall all be very grateful if you will introduce him to the young people of your congregation. He will probably feel lonely for a little while, but my mind will be much at rest concerning him if I know that he is forming wise and helpful friendships. I shall be very grateful for any kindness shown to my boy as he starts out to fight the battle of life.
With heartfelt thanks in advance, I remain, dear sir,
Very truly yours, GEORGE D. MOORE.
=269. From a Lady Introducing a Friend to an old School Mate.=
E----, November 7, 19--.
My Dear Susan:--
Mrs. Henry Pursell--whose charming friendship I very highly prize--is about to remove from our pleasant suburb to your beautiful city. I take this opportunity of commending her and her husband, and their delightful little family, to your kindly sympathy. We have not forgotten how gentle and considerate you always were to the new pupils at dear old B---- Academy. What a comfort you were to the homesick and the heartsick! Mrs. Pursell will be an entire stranger in S----. I therefore bespeak on her behalf a touch of that old-time sympathy and love.
Ever yours faithfully, ETHEL WILLIAMS.
=270. From a Gentleman Introducing a College Chum to a Sister.=
P----, October 20, 19--.
My Dear Mabel:--
Mr. William Perry, the bearer of this note, is one of my old college chums. At college we were regarded as "Damon and Pythias," though which was Damon and which was Pythias I hardly know. Anyway, you will find Mr. Perry as noble a fellow as ever ate three meals a day. Give him a hearty welcome for my sake, and you will soon regard him very highly for his own.
I assure you that in showing kindness to my old classmate you are liable to entertain an angel unawares. Give my regards to that "model husband" of yours, and tell my hopeful nephew that the next time I come to C---- I will bring him either a jackknife or a Bible--perhaps both.
Your loving brother, ROBERT.
=271. From a Lady Asking for a Subscription to some Charity.=
E----, May 23, 19--.
Campbell Astorbilt, Esq. DEAR SIR:--
I know how generous you are in subscribing to any deserving charity, and also know how many are the claims made upon you for assistance; but I will venture to ask for a subscription for our Firemen's Children's Orphan Asylum, which is very much in need of support. Allow me to add, that the institution is a most excellent one, and that we should be very grateful for any donation, however small, as there is a great deal of illness about just now, and the Infirmary is not equal to the demands made upon it. I take the greatest interest in this charity, and am doing all in my power trying to help it on in its beneficent work.
Hoping that this request will not be judged impertinent, and trusting in your kindness of heart,
I remain, Yours sincerely, MARY FENTON FAIR, President F. C. O. A.
=272. From a Young Lady to a Girl Friend Asking for Her Photograph.=
O----, August 7, 19--.
Dear Florence:--
I have just been admiring such a nice photograph of you in Mrs. Dutton's book; she said it had been taken quite recently. May I ask for a copy before you have given them all away? and, in exchange, will send you one of my last new photographs in a few days. Mrs. Dutton is very good-natured, and often asks me to afternoon tea.
Mamma is waiting for me to go out with her, so, with love,
Believe me, Affectionately yours, MARIETTA DUNLAP.
=273. Answer to the Above.=
B----, August 12, 19--.
Dear Marietta:--
Am so sorry all my new photographs had been given away before I received your letter, otherwise would have sent you one with pleasure. I intend ordering a few more copies as soon as we return to town, and will not forget to let you have one. Please send me yours. I am so glad you like Mrs. Dutton; she is, as you know, a great friend of mine, but we have not seen each other for some time. Give her my love and with much to yourself,
Believe me, Yours affectionately, FLORENCE BROWN.
=274. Asking a Gentleman to be Godfather.=
T----, March 10, 19--.
Dear Mr. Graham:--
I cannot tell you how much we should be gratified if you would consent to be godfather to our little son. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have promised to be the other sponsors, and the christening is to take place on the 23d of April, at St. Mark's Church. We intend having a luncheon party on that day in honor of the event. Should you be too much engaged to be present, my husband would represent you at the church, and perhaps you would be able to look in at the luncheon. We should be much pleased to see you.
With our united kind regards, believe me,
Very truly yours, KATHERINE DRED WOODS.
=275. Answer to the Above.=
N----, March 12, 19--.
My Dear Mrs. Woods:--
Shall be most happy to act as godfather to your little boy since you and your husband are kind enough to wish it, and I hope he will grow to be as good a fellow as his father. You must not expect me at the church, but will try and drop in in the afternoon.
With kind regards to you both,
Very truly yours, DONALD GRAHAM.
=276. Asking a Lady to be Godmother.=
L----, July 11, 19--.
Dear Mrs. Ronalds:--
It would be a great pleasure to us if you would be godmother to our little girl; we have named her after you, Katherine Mabel. She is a sweet little thing, and I shall be so proud to show her to you. My sister, Mrs. Mabel Phillips, is also to be godmother, and my husband's brother will be godfather. I will let you know what day the christening will take place as soon as it is decided.
With kindest remembrances from my husband and myself,
Believe me, Very sincerely yours, SYLVIA LAMONT.
=277. Unfavorable Answer to the Above.=
A----, July 12, 19--.
Dear Mrs. Lamont:--
I hope that you will not think me unkind if I ask you to excuse me from undertaking the office of godmother to your little daughter. The truth is, I do not feel justified in incurring what, in my mind, is too great a responsibility. I have always thought that the parents and near relatives of a child are most fitted for the post of sponsors, as, on account of their position they have a better opportunity of fulfilling the promises made in its name than those less near to it could possibly have. Other people, no doubt, think differently, but these are my views, and you will not, I am sure, be offended at my thus frankly expressing them. Shall hope to come and see you soon, and your dear little girl.
Believe me, Very sincerely yours, KATHARINE RONALDS.
=278. To a Lady, After a First Visit to Her Country Home.=
N----, September 20, 19--.
My Dear Mrs. Rice:--
How very much we enjoyed our little visit to you last week, and the charming drives and walks we had! My husband says he does not know when he has spent a pleasanter time, he is so fond of the country and country amusements, and I assure you we both thoroughly appreciated your tireless hospitality and kindness. I had heard so much of your place and was quite anxious to see it; it really is one of the prettiest country homes I have ever seen, and how perfect you have made the villa! Everybody calls it a triumph of good taste. We are going into Berkshire in October to pay a few visits, but we shall be in town again early in November, to remain there for the whole of the winter, and I hope, if you think of coming up before Christmas, you will let me know.
Remember us kindly to Mr. Rice, and believe me, with renewed thanks,
Very sincerely yours, ALMA STIRLING WHITE.
=279. From a Gentleman to His Pastor, asking Him to Visit His Sick Mother.=
15 Ellis Avenue, C----, April 10, 19--.
Dear Mr. Tillotson:--
I am grieved to have to inform you that my mother is very seriously