_A Gentleman regretting he cannot accept an Invitation._ The Albany, February 1st, 187-- MY DEAR MADAM, Thank you very much for thinking of me on Saturday. I should have liked to have joined your party immensely, but I go to Ventnor that afternoon, and am therefore unable to have the pleasure of accepting your very kind invitation. My mother and sisters have gone to Beaumaris; they left on Wednesday, and on the same day our friends the Boscawens returned to Ventnor. I hope to reach that truly lovely place on Saturday. Although a month has elapsed since the last year left us, I must send you and your sister all good old-fashioned New Year's wishes, hearty and sincere; will you both accept them? And with many thanks, repeated, for your kind note, Believe, me, Dear Mrs. B----, Your sincere friend, HENRY ROSS. ---- _Invitation to a Gentleman to Row in a Boat._ Chester, June 18th, 187-- DEAR GEORGE, Will you join three friends and myself on Saturday next for a row up the river? You are a capital stroke, and we wish to get into the way of pulling a longer stroke than we have at present: little Jerry will steer us. Do not say No. We will finish the evening at the ----, where I have ordered supper. Yours sincerely, BEDFORD PRICE. ---- _Accepting._ Rock Terry, June 19th, 187-- DEAR BEDFORD, I fancy you have formed too good an idea of my performance as a stroke oar; however, if you think I can be of any use to your crew, I will readily do my best. I shall sleep in Chester, so we need not hurry in returning from our practice. Yours sincerely, GEORGE SHEEPSHANKS. ---- _Invitation to a Bachelor Party._ Kidderminster, February, 187-- DEAR FELLOWS, Yesterday I met Donovan and our four other old friends, who are here for a few days; they are coming to dine with me to-morrow at seven. I know it is some years since you met them; I hope you will make one of our party. Believe me, Yours sincerely, F. CUNNINGHAM. ---- _Accepting the same._ Hill House, Kidderminster, Feb. 187-- DEAR CUNNINGHAM, It will afford me the very greatest pleasure to dine with you to-morrow at seven. It is many years since I met those you mention, but I have a vivid recollection of passing many pleasant hours in their society and companionship. Believe me, Yours sincerely, HARRY FELLOWS. ---- _Invitation to a Gentleman to a Friendly Dinner._ Dunland Place, Oct. 1st, 187-- DEAR HINDMARSH,