A Letter Sent with a Gift (a Book).

977 President St., Brookly N, Y., Dec. 20, 190

My Dear Friend:—I hope the accompanying volume, of which I ask your acceptance as a slight token of my regard, will suit your taste. Books are in themselves friends, and are therefore, I think, the most appropriate souvenirs of friendship. In fact the current phrase, " I know you like a book,"' although a vulgarism, seems to imply the same intimate relation between reader and author that should exist between friend and friend. Please apprise me of the receipt of the package, and believe me.

Ever yours sincerely

John Clark. To Miss Julia Thomas, Brandywine, Del.

The Reply.

Brandywine, Del., Dec. 23, 190

My Dear Mr. Clark:—Accept my thanks for your handsome present. You could not have selected a book that would have pleased me better. I think with you that books of the right kind) should be looked upon as agreeable and useful friends; but nevertheless the friend whom neither time nor distance can estrange, is a treasure of more value than all the volumes that ever were printed. Permit me to regard you in that light, and again thanking you for your present, to remain, Sincerely yours,

Julia Thomas. To Mr. John Clark, Brooklyn, N. Y.