Page:Book of Etiquette, Volume 1, by Lilian Eichler.djvu/69

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WEDDING INVITATIONS
45

Mr. and Mrs. James Curtis beg to recall the invitations issued for the marriage of their daughter, Grace Helen, and Mr. Henry Roberts, on Thursday, February the fourth.


BREAKING AN ENGAGEMENT

A broken engagement is always embarrassing for both the young man and the young lady. Friends, if they are truly well-bred, will not ask questions, and relatives will not demand explanations. The obligations which such a situation entails are unpleasant, but it is infinitely better to go through the ordeal than to face a marriage which is certain to end in disaster.

At such a time it is important for the young lady to have the utmost dignity and self-possession. She is not expected to make any announcement or offer any explanations. If a reception has been scheduled, her mother sends brief notes or engraved cards to those who have been invited, informing them that the engagement has been broken. The young lady, if she wishes, may confide in her intimate friends; but to be bitter, to condemn her former suitor in any may, to suggest that perhaps he was not all that she thought he was at first, not only reflects on her own good judgment, but is very poor form and shows lack of delicacy.

If the announcement of the engagement has been made in the papers such a notice as this might be inserted in the name of the person or persons who first made the announcement:

Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Simmons announce that by mutual consent the engagement between their daughter Agnes and George Francis Richards is at an end.