_Invitation to join a Party to the Derby_. Knightsbridge, May 22. DEAR NORRIS, Three of our fellows have agreed to go to the Derby together in a drag, and we shall be very glad if you will make a fourth. Jervis drives. Don't refuse, old fellow; we shall have a jolly day, and I shall enjoy it doubly if you go with us. Yours truly, ---- _Same._ Green Bank, May 23rd. DEAR REID, Will you accompany a party of us to-morrow to the Derby? Let me have an answer by bearer, and take care that it is in the affirmative. Yours ever, ---- _Accepting_. London, May 23rd. DEAR GEORGE, I shall have much pleasure in accompanying you to the Derby. Let me know, please, the hour at which you start. I am, ever, Yours truly, J. REID. ---- _Refusing_. London, May 23rd. DEAR BOB, It is awfully unlucky, but I am obliged to go to Chester on the Derby day, and _can't_ do as I desire. I wish you a pleasant trip. I am ever, yours truly, ---- _Love-letter from a Gentleman to a Lady._ The Temple, June 4th. DEAREST, Days have passed by now since we have had the pleasure of a few moments' conversation even; how these hours have dragged their slow pace along you and I alone can tell. It is only when we are left to the peaceful enjoyment of our own society that time flies. It may be that to-morrow at Mrs. E.'s we shall have a little time alone. We all dine there; she told me she should have a dance also, and that your mamma had promised her your sister and yourself should be of the party. May I ask for the first waltz? I send a few flowers, but I imagine you will only wear one, the rose in your hair; your sister is always pleased with a bouquet, so I shall not be very angry if you let her have them, only wear my rose. Your own EDWARD. ---- _A Sailor to his Sweetheart._ H.M.S. Centaur, June 14th, 187- MY DEAR FANNY, You are never out of my mind. If you only think of me half as much, I shall be satisfied. Sleeping or waking it is all the same, Fanny, you are my only thought. What have you done with your piece of the half-sovereign we cut in halves? I have bored a hole in mine, and wear it round my neck on a bit of blue ribbon, to show that your William is true blue. Do you wear yours the same, my dearest Fanny? When I come home we will splice the halves, and Fanny and her William will be one--will we not, darling girl? Our cruise will now soon be over; I only hope, Fanny, you have been as true to me as I have been to you; never have I ceased thinking of you. Bear in mind your faithful William, who loves you as fondly as ever. Your devoted lover, WILLIAM. ---- _Gentleman's reply to the Lady, imagining he was indifferent to her._ Gillingham, April 16th, 187- DEAREST LOVE,