Do not from this suppose that well-bred people write badly! On the contrary, perfect simplicity and freedom from self-consciousness are possible only to those who have acquired at least some degree of cultivation. For flagrant examples of pretentiousness (which is the infallible sign of lack of breeding), see page 61. For simplicity of expression, such as is unattainable to the rest of us, but which we can at least strive to emulate, read first the Bible; then at random one might suggest such authors as Robert Louis Stevenson, E.S. Martin, Agnes Repplier, John Galsworthy and Max Beerbohm. E.V. Lucas has written two novels in letter form--which illustrate the best type of present day letter-writing. =LETTERS OF THANKS FOR WEDDING PRESENTS= Although all wedding presents belong to the bride, she generally words her letters of thanks as though they belonged equally to the groom, especially if they have been sent by particular friends of his. _To Intimate Friends of the Groom_ Dear Mrs. Norman: To think of your sending us all this wonderful glass! It is simply divine, and Jim and I both thank you a thousand times! The presents are, of course, to be shown on the day of the wedding, but do come in on Tuesday at tea time for an earlier view. Thanking you again, and with love from us both, Affectionately, Mary. _Formal_ =I= Dear Mrs. Gilding: It was more than sweet of you and Mr. Gilding to send us such a lovely clock. Thank you, very, very much. Looking forward to seeing you on the tenth, Very sincerely, Mary Smith. Sometimes, as in the two examples above, thanks to the husband are definitely expressed in writing to the wife. Usually, however, "you" is understood to mean "you both." =II= Dear Mrs. Worldly: All my life I have wanted a piece of jade, but in my wanting I have never imagined one quite so beautiful as the one you have sent me. It was wonderfully sweet of you and I thank you more than I can tell you for the pleasure you have given me. Affectionately, Mary Smith. =III.= Dear Mrs. Eminent: Thank you for these wonderful prints. They go too beautifully with some old English ones that Jim's uncle sent us, and our dining-room will be quite perfect--as to walls! Hoping that you are surely coming to the wedding, Very sincerely, Mary Smith. _To a Friend Who Is in Deep Mourning_ Dear Susan: With all you have on your heart just now, it was so sweet and thoughtful of you to go out and buy me a present, and such a beautiful one! I love it--and your thought of me in sending it--and I thank you more than I can tell you. Devotedly, Mary. _Very Intimate_ Dear Aunt Kate: