whom you believe to be your fiancee to consent to a public
announcement of the fact. The reason for this probably is that an
engagement which has been "announced" often leads to matrimony,
and matrimony, in polite society, often lasts for several years.
After you have secured the girl's permission, it is next
necessary that you notify her father of the engagement. In this
particular case, as he happens to be your employer, the
notification can take place in his office. First of all, however,
it would be advisable to prepare some sort of speech in advance.
Aim to put him as far as possible at his ease, lead up to the
subject gradually and tactfully. Abruptness is never "good form."
The following is suggested as a possible model. "Good morning,
Mr. Doe, say, I heard a good story from a traveling salesman last
night. It seems that there was a young married couple--(here
insert a good story about a young married couple). Wasn't that
RICH? Yes, sir, marriage is a great thing--a great institution.
Every young man ought to get married, don't you think? You do?
Well, Mr. Doe, I've got a surprise for you, (here move toward the
door). I'm going to (here open the door) marry (step out of the
room) your daughter" (close the door quickly).


THE BRIDE-TO-BE

Before the public announcement of the engagement it is customary
for the bride-to-be to write personal letters to all other young
men to whom she happens to be engaged at the time. These notes
should be kindly, sympathetic and tactful. The same note can be
written to all, provided there is no chance of their comparing
notes. The following is suggested: