Josephine Turck Baker's turn-of-the-century periodical, Correct
English -- subtitled A Monthly Magazine Devoted to the Proper
Use of English -- featured regular "conversations" in which
"Mrs. B" instructed various (strangely docile) friends,
acquaintances, and children in improving their speech. In the
issue for January 1, 1900, poor Mrs. A. played the role of
pupil: Mrs. A. -- I am so pleased to find you at home. I feared
you might be away as it is such a beautiful day. I want to ask
you some questions in regard to the article on Words and Their
Uses, which appeared in the last issue of Correct English. Mrs.
B. -- I am very glad you came to-day. You will always find me at
home on Wednesday as I reserve that day for my friends. I notice
that you say, "I am so pleased to find you at home." Did it ever
occur to you that so does not express any meaning in that
connection? Mrs. A. -- I never thought anything about it. Is "I
am so pleased" an incorrect expression? Mrs. B. -- Yes; because
it is a meaningless one. I