"Very Cordially Yours."
Many a letter ends with a white lie.
For example, shall we close an epistle with "Yours truly" when we are not his or hers, or when the letter or the relation between us and our correspondent has any element of untruth?
Shall we end the missive with "Very sincerely," if we have not been thoroughly sincere? Or with "Very cordially yours," if we do not feel cordial toward our correspondent? Or with "Heartily yours," if our letter is not hearty? Or even with "respectfully yours," if we do not entertain a real respect for the person to whom we are writing?
In short, are these epistolary terminations wholly perfunctory, merely formal, so that we are not required to examine into their truth or falsity, but simply use the one that strikes our fancy, or is deemed to accord best with the dignity and station of our correspondent?
No!
If we do not feel affectionate, let us not say "Affectionately yours," even to a near relative.
Let us not write white lies with black ink.
I suppose we must end our letters some way, not to seem curt, but let us choose the way that is honest.
"Yours" will answer well enough, because no one attaches its literal meaning to it. "Your friend," if you are his friend. "Yours truly," if your letter is true (otherwise, the waste-basket!). "Yours sincerely," "Yours respectfully," "Yours lovingly," "Cordially yours," "Yours heartily," "Ever yours," "Yours with warm regard"—each of these as it exactly fits your feeling and your relation to your correspondent.
For nothing is too small to affect character, and an honest soul will send forth nothing that is dishonest, even through the post-office.