The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-12-06

THE MODE IN LETTER WRITING.
New Styles In Stationery-Ruics Relating
to the Address and Signature.

to the Address and signature.
For the mere manner of the letter every
season brings us new fashions in note and
letter paper. A high class stationer men
tions the royal Worcester, gray wove, and
an antique parchment as among some Of
the best in vogue at the moment The en-
velopes may be square or oblong az prefer
ence dictates, with, however, fashionable
leaning toward the former. Ruled paper
betrays an ignorance Of social customs.
For headings of stationery tastes differ,
and considerable choice, any of which is
permissible, is offered at the shops of known
authorities in such matters. A crest, a
coat of arms, n monogram, or merely the
initials or address are all used, taste only
stipulating there shall be nothing garish or
outre. a few pale tints and some slightly
roughened surfaces are not Objectionable.
but rs rule smooth, white or cream paper
is the safest choice, says writer in the New
York Times, the authority for the follow
ing:
The etiquette Of letter writing is almost
without end. First, the letter sent on bust
ness should have stamp and envelope in
closed If an answer is expected Mt an early
date. Then every letter, either of business
or otherwise, should be answered promptly.
It is not considered form to begin It letter
with an apology for not writing-that is,
expressed directly, and some particular let
ter writers always slip thoopening sentence
about so that the pronoun II" shall not he
the opening word. Another rule is the
avoidance Of flourishes and eccentricities OF
handwriting
Postal cards are to be employed for a
business message or an order to an inferior.
In polite society their usefulness extends
no further.
There is distinction, too, In the matter
of address, Dear Mrs. Hopkins" showing
a less degree of intimacy than My Dear
Mrs. Hopkins" These forms are, how
ever, quite as often used interchangeably,
such use not being regarded in the light of
n heinous offense. There Is a certain intui-
tive courtesy i'm the knowing when TO drop
the formal Dear Sir" and Dear Madam"
sort OF recognition Of ones claim TO ac-
Quaiutance that is possessed by some per
sons and indefnably enjoyed by those TO
whom It IL extended. IL Is like the bit of
breeding which forestalls an introduction,
where the two persons about 10 be intro
duced are perfectly well known TO each 9TH
er, either by sight or because under exist
ing circumstances neither could he anybody
else.
In the matter Of signatures there Is again
an opportunity for the nice discrimination
tf degrees OF intimacy and formality
Very truly yours" Is a shade more cor
! dial perhaps than the "Yours trsly" Of
pure business. and so through Sincerely"
"Cordlally" and Faithfully" with aud
without the adyerbs most aud very"
Women OF tact and courtesy know how TO
put a pleasant warmth in their letters by
just the closing Of them perhaps tha. Is
why they are apt 20 be such acceptable cor
respondents--and they rarely csr either in
knowing when 20 put II.
PunctiIinus persons. either men or won.
en-. never avail themselves of hotel or club.
house paper In notes of ceremony.