T is often necessary to write a letter of Apology or Excuse. In such a case, to be of any value, it should be written as promptly as may be. The writer must not forget that almost as much depends on the time as the manner of making an excuse. It may be too late to be

effective, or so mistimed as to aggravate the previous offense; such a letter is not very pleasant, as it is called forth by some neglect or impropriety of the author. If the apology appear forced, or made unwillingly, it cannot be effective; but if written in sincerity, and gracefully expressed, in all ordinary cases it will insure forgiveness. “The excuse which would be freely accepted to-day, might be indignantly rejected a week hence. A slight notice of the fact, an explanation that will extenuate the offense, an assurance of the total absence of any intention to wound the

feelings, regrets for the circumstance, professions of attachment, and an expression of an earnest desire to recover the good opinion of the person offended, are the elements of a letter of apology, modified according to the fact, time, and persons interested.”

“It is sometimes necessary to make excuses for offenses not yet noticed; such as delay in reply to a letter, or in executing a commission. In these cases they generally commence letters on other subjects. A reason should be given for the delay, or the neglect candidly confessed, and indulgence solicited.”

The necessity of an apology is avoided by a prompt meeting of every engagement, and discharge of every obligation.

Apology for a Broken Engagement.

2952 EASTON AVE., May 1, 1881.

My Dear Clara:—Will you kindly accept an apology for my not being present at your party last evening? Throughout the whole day I had felt unwell, but had still determined to join you; but, as evening approached, I felt so much worse, that I saw at once that nothing but quiet was suited to my condition, and that excitement and late hours would only make me worse. I trust you will therefore excuse me, and, if you should have an hour to spare,and come and chat quietly with me, it will be a great comfort to,

Affectionately yours,

EMMA VAN NORSTRAND.

MISS CLARA YOUNG.

Apology for a Broken Business Engagement.

PORTLAND, ME., Aug. 16, 1879.

MR. PERRY H. SNYDER,

Clarendon Hotel, City.

Dear Sir:—I very much regret being compelled to apologize for not meeting you at the Clarendon last evening, as I agreed to do. The cause of my detention was the sudden and serious illness of my dear wife, whose life for a time we despaired of. Hoping you will not leave the city until we can perfect the arrangements we anticipated, and that you will kindly inform bearer when it will be convenient to see me,

I am, yours very respectfully,

JENNINGS MARTIN.

Excuse for a Pupil.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, March 5, 1881.

MR. LOOMIS,

You will please excuse Charles for non-attendance at school yesterday, as I was compelled to keep him at home to attend to a matter of business.

CHARLES OSWALD.

From a Tenant to a Landlord, Excusing Delay in Payment.

WILMINGTON,Jan. 10, 1881.

Sir:—I have now been your tenant above ten years in the house where I now live, and you know that I never failed to pay my rent quarterly when due. At present I am extremely sorry to inform you, that from a variety of recent disappointments, I am under the necessity of begging that you will indulge me one quarter longer. By that time I hope to have it in my power to answer your just demand, and the favor shall be ever gratefully acknowledged by

Your obedient and humble servant,

WALLACE RYAN.

MR. AMOS CLARK,

865 Locust St., Philadelphia, Pa.

Excusing Putting Off an Invitation on Account of a Recent Bereavement.

ATLANTA, April 5, 1881.

My Dear Ella:—I grieve to tell you that a most serious and painful domestic calamity prevents the possibility of my availing myself of your kind invitation, as I had intended. When I tell you that my dear Freddie is no more, you will at once sympathize with me, and feel the impossibility of anything like mixing in society.

Believe me, amidst my own griefs,

Your ever sincere friend,

MARIA WARREN.

MRS. ELLA LATTIMER.