Show lt att ht uh thor they ato are A to re much 2310 more damalt t to write than lettra letter ot to write a letter of congratulation or on happy event in the history of a friend is is a comparatively easy task words of cheer and felicitation fall trippingly from the pen as from the tongue says harpers bazar the letter of condolence requires more care more delicacy a greater comprehension a fuller recognition of the friends character and environment viron ment many people hesitate to write their thought of sympathy to one who is suffering under the first surprise and bewildering shock of a deep bereavement rea the impulse is strong to put forth a hand band in the dark and give the warm clasp which means 1 I am sorry 1 I grieve in your grief 1 I would help you if I 1 could but quick upon its ite heels tread the suggestions of caution 1 I do not know her well enough to intrude whispers an instinctive refinement of pity 1 l lily rude thrusting in of myself would only tear open the wound afresh should I 1 attempt to speak words of consolation they would sound bound like platitudes appear conventional or perfunctory the arguments are often so unreasonable in their appeal to common sense that tho the original tender impulse is resolutely crushed crashed back one prays for oue one s friend but doo does not address her in most cases the silence is a mistake occasionally it is better than speech we grant particularly when those of whom wo think are mere acquaintances not even entla in tl outer cir circle cleas as yet of friendship or of when the sufferers are specially shrof shy of manner and reticent of nature usually however the tha letter of condolence it if short earnest and sincere is an olive branch of promise borne borna as by a very tery messenger mefi dove of peace over the wild whirling waste of snow the simpler it is the surer its wand errand of mercy the sooner it is sent bent the more speedily ita tender balm is ia laid on the aching heart on the tha whole it Is IB al waya very nearly safe to trust to the early friendship impulse and to disregard |