Dear Sir, - I was most interested to read the letter from "Monopede's Husband." I believe that this touches something that may appeal to not a few men. My only disappointment was that you were apparently unable to illustrate it, as suggested by your correspondent. Would it be too much to hope that you may remedy this next month?
Although I have on several occasions seen, for a few minutes at a time, extremely attractive monopedes - rather a happy word, that - I have never actually met one.
One girl I saw several years ago remains vividly in the memory. It was at an exhibition in London, which I was attending on business. I confess that business was not on my mind during the few minutes I was able to keep her in sight. She was of normal build, and attractive in countenance and figure. It was in the days of medium length skirts, and she had no right leg.
Her movements were easy and of a grace far above most girls. She was wearing a neatly cut blue costume, with a fur around her shoulders. She used only one crutch, and in her left hand carried a small handbag close to her side. As she walked - quite slowly at the while - she kept her shoulders almost level and progressed with a smoothness at which I marvelled. I have seldom seen anything more effortless.
One important point appealed to me, however, was that she was wearing a high heeled shoe. The heel was at least 3« inches in height, yet her balance was absolutely perfect the whole time. Occasionally when she was moving only a few short steps, and standing still again, she would not hold her crutch tightly, but seemed to make her shoulder and upper arm do all that was required.
This charming girl is the only lady monopede I have ever seen wearing a high-heeled shoe, and this enhanced her appearance and grace of movement 100 per cent. I felt I would much have liked to give her my arm crossing a cobbled street, as then she would surely need a little steadying. She had a friend with her, so would no doubt feel safe outdoors.
No doubt some considerable skill and long practice must be necessary to manage gracefully with a single crutch and a high heeled shoe. But to ask whether the loss of the limb makes such a girl unattractive - well, the above short description answers it best in my view. She was one of the most attractive girls I have seen.
Monopede's Admirer.
Amsterdam