Dear Sir, - I was very pleased with the Summer Double Number, and especially with the story of the limbless beauties, under the heading of "Le Moignon D'Or."
It gave me quite a thrill to read the intimate details of the life of Miss Merrill. I knew there must be a lot of girls in the world who have one or more limbs missing and yet can still be very fascinating. There is no doubt that a very beautiful girl, gracefully poised on a shapely single leg shod with a very high- heeled shoe, would provide a queer thrill for everyone.
The way in which the story was written thrilled me through and through, and I am quite used to seeing one-legged girls, as I was born as such. I also have a friend who has had her right leg amputated. She has written to your paper under the name of "One Legged Girl."
I think I have the honour of being the only girl in the whole world who was born in my condition for my only leg emerges from the centre of the base of my trunk, instead of to one side, so that it is either right or left. I also have seven toes instead of five, the big toe being in the centre and three smaller toes on either side.
Of course, I have to get my shoes made to measure, as an ordinary shoe will not fit. My knickers are also made specially for me with the leg in the centre of the body.
Of course, having my leg central, I can effect a much better balance than if it were at one side; but at the same time, when I have to travel, I must either hop or, if it is very far, use a pair of dainty crutches, as one crutch is no use in my case.
I have had several designs tattooed on various parts of my body. My back is decorated with a most beautiful eagle with wings spread. My breasts have a lovely butterfly on each, while my leg has a gorgeous design of a climbing rose runner. This is shown to great advantage when I wear a thin nude silk stocking and a very short skirt, as it is my wont, for I am very proud of my single leg - my incomplete charm.
Yours truly,
Freda Simmonds