Dear Mr. Mayor,

亲爱的市长先生：

Next Saturday marks the 256th anniversary of the founding of the British Museum. The superintendent of it is planning to celebrate the event with a reception at Claridges Hotel on Saturday, January 17 between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. We shall be honored to have you as our chief guest who will address the party for about four minutes.

下周六是大英博物馆建成 256 周年纪念日。博物馆负责人拟于一月十七日(星期六)晚上五至八时在克莱里奇饭店举行庆祝招待会。我们想邀请您作为主宾参加，并希望届时您能致辞四分钟左右。

I would appreciate it if you could indicate your availability or inability to attend the reception before January 13.

如果您能在一月十三日之前告知我您能否与会，我将不胜感激。

Sincerely yours,

Tom Clarke

汤姆•克拉克 谨上