A Sweetheart's Code Used on Envelopes

Sweetheart Code

Let not the post thwart true love!

Even before Abelard wrote Heloise, there has been a grand tradition of love letters.

In more modern times, at the turn of the century, there was a "Sweetheart Code" lovers could use to signal their affections through the mail, by placing the stamp on the envelope in a particular place, left/right, top/bottom; and orientation, such as sideways or upside down.

Before even opening the envelope, one could contemplate their lover's mood, while savoring their name and address written by their own hand, in anticipation of the delights of the missive within.

Our fictional detectives and characters had love lives, often pretty steamy ones that indeed contributed to more than most peoples share of murder, blackmail, and deceit. Let's take a look at how they might have written letters using this "sweetheart code".

You might try guessing the title and what the code is suggesting. I'd love to add more sentiments and love duos. Do you have any ideas? Let us know!

The Secret Codes Revealed

The position & orientation of the stamp on the envelope would convey the secret meaning... not quite to current USPS Standards, I'm afraid!
`Code: "Write Soon..." Story:` Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell`Stamp:` Classic Films Series, US, 1990 Yes, I know... not a mystery, but what passion. However, based on his famous reply (), I don't suppose Rhett will be replying very soon. () Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn!	`Code: "Longing to See You" Story: Laura`, by Vera Caspary`Stamp:` Ink & Quill, by Jean Baptiste Chardin, US, 1974 (Universal Postal Union Centenary) `Trivia:` The Ink & Quill image is an allusion to Waldo's style of writing "with a goose quill dipped in venom".
`Code: "You are Cruel " Story:` Streetcar Named Desire, by Tennessee Williams, US 1997 `Stamp:` Tennessee Williams, US Literary Arts Series, 1995 `Trivia:` While not a mystery, certainly murderous. The stamp has a rich, velvety look, not readily appreciated in this 'thumbnail' version.	`Code: "Wishing You Happiness" Story:`The Thin Man, by Dashiell Hammett `Stamp:` Love Roses [with two doves], US, 1994 `Trivia:` Did you know that Nick Charles was of Greek background and Americanized his name from Charlemedes? On the other side of the pen, Hammett was married to Lillian Hellman. Quite the lady's man, Lillian's cross to bear was Dash himself. Ah, yes, happiness.
`Code: "My Parents Object" Story:`The Big Sleep, by Raymond Chandler `Stamp:` Humphrey Bogart, US, 1997 `Trivia:` The movie was based on Chandler's first novel. The "parental" reference is to the plot, wherein Captain Sternwood hires Marlowe to uncover his wild-child's blackmailer... or so he says... Vivian is the older sis, em... not quite as wild, but certainly lovely.	`Code: "Accept My Affections" Story:`Marnie, by Winston Graham `Stamp:` Hitchcock, US 1998 `Trivia:` The tension between Hitchcock and Tippi Hedrin (Marnie) grew to such a pitch that an intermediary conveyed directorial instructions for Hitchcock. Tippi was one of many in a long line of Hitchcock's fascination with blondes.
`Code:` `"Sealed with a Kiss!" Story:`Dracula, by Bram Stoker `Stamp:` Dracula, US 1997 `Trivia:` So... the vampire's image can be seen! Bela Lugosi was a stamp collector and member of the American Philatelic Society.	`Code: "Let's be Friends" Story:`Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier `Stamp:` Daphne du Maurier, UK `Trivia:` The first Mrs. de Winter was, of course, Rebecca. Oddly enough, the second Mrs. de Winter's first name was never used in the story.
`Code: "I Love You!" Story:` Strong Poison, by Dorothy L.Sayers`Stamp:` Lady Writing Letter, by Gerard Terborche, US, 1974 (Universal Postal Union Centenary) `Trivia:` Lord Peter would woo Miss Vane in vain for five years before their marriage celebration in Busman's Holiday, the last Wimsey published before Sayer's death. Thrones and Denominations, a posthumous release, picks up the post-marriage thread.

That's what love does!

Turns you upside down, inside out, and you find yourself in the wrong place for all the right reasons!