不论答复是接受还是拒绝，邀请都必须立即确认，以便主人了解所需接待客人的人数。

An invitation is a courtesy and must be promptly acknowledged. Whether a reply is called for or not, one must advise either an acceptance or refusal. A host should know how many guests to expect.

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阿切尔自命不凡地说：“范德卢顿夫妇是纽约上流社会最有影响的人物。不幸的是——由于她的健康原因——他们极少接待客人。”

"The van der Luydens," said Archer, feeling himself pompous as he spoke, "are the most powerful influence in New York society. Unfortunately — owing to her health — they receive very seldom."

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