This is engraved on a square, or nearly square, card that fits the envelope. If the reception is given in the evening, the invitation is issued in the names of the host and hostess. If the letters R. S. V. P. appear on it, they mean that an answer is requested. These letters are an abbreviation of four French words meaning "please reply." The tendency is toward greater simplicity in the use of language and "please reply" is frequently used as:
- To meet
Major General and Mrs. Grant
Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus H. W. Cormick
request the pleasure of
company at luncheon
on Saturday, June the fifth
at two o'clock
- Please reply
- Walden Lake Forest
This form of invitation is suitable for any reception. If it is given for a lady who is visiting from another city, her name appears below that of the hostess, as the guest of honor.
A PRIVATE DANCE.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Livingston
request the pleasure of the company of
Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Schuyler and the
Misses Schuyler
On Thursday evening, December Twenty-first
| Cotillion at ten | R.S.V.P. |
Here, engraved forms are sued, with a blank space left for names of guests. An answer is required. No one speaks of a private dance as a ball. The word is reserved for large, semi-public dances. When people entertain often at dinner, engraved forms are kept on hand,
