I have, to-day received the invitation to your wedding, and
as I cannot be present at that happy event to offer my
congratulations in person, I write.

I am heartily glad you are going to be married, and
congratulate you upon the wisdom of your choice. You have won
a noble as well as a beautiful woman, and one whose love will
make you a happy man to your life's end. May God grant that
trouble may not come near you but should it be your lot, you
will have a wife to whom you can look with confidence for
comfort, and whose good sense and devotion to you will be your
sure and unfailing support.

That you may both be very happy, and that your happiness may
increase with your years, is the prayer of

Your Friend, FRANK HOWARD.


* * * * *

LETTER WRITING.


Any extravagant flattery should be avoided, both as tending to disgust
those to whom it is addressed, as well as to degrade the writers,
and to create suspicion as to their sincerity. The sentiments should
spring from the tenderness of the heart, and, when faithfully and
delicately expressed, will never be read without exciting sympathy or
emotion in all hearts not absolutely deadened by insensibility.