Dear Sir, - Some time ago my friend, "Blackpool Girl", wrote to you and told me about you. I am "Dawn," a crippled girl with only one leg, and I have read Mr. Stort's letters and "Moignon D'Or" story with interest, as it dealt with girls similarly afflicted.
May I say that I don't agree wholly with Mr Stort?
Like most monopedes, I am sensitive about my amputated limb, and strive to conceal it on all occasions. I therefore wouldn't dream of going swimming in a mixed group, but bathe (I can't really call it "swim") in the company of two girl friends who appreciate my difficulties, and who do not cause me embarrassment.
I find that men are very kind and considerate to me, but my crippled state embarrasses them frightfully, and I am sure that if they saw my amputated stump of leg it would not intrigue, but merely sadden them. So I keep it concealed, never wearing too short skirts nor provocatively brief sun suits for that very reason.
I go hiking on my slender crutch because before my accident I was an outdoor girl, and determined not to let my infirmity get me down. I can also do simple dancing, like the waltz, using my crutch in lieu of the missing leg (not a simple thing, I assure you!) but though I am quite popular, I can't pretend that my infirmity interests any young man as it did the hero of Mr. Stort's story.
Men are kind to me, and sorry for me, but not attracted to me any more than they are to the other girls. I often feel that my missing limb has robbed me of a lot in life, but when I see other people, worse crippled than myself, I just thank the good God for things like a straight spine, fairly pretty face, and health and strength.
No, Mr. Stort, in spite of your kind letters and articles, we monopedes are under no delusions that we are all the more attractive by virtue of our missing limb. Our daily life forbids us to indulge in that amusement, let me say.
I am very interested in clothes and jewellery, and would dearly love to wear an anklet on my sound limb, but have not yet done so, as others think that it will only draw attention to my crippled condition.
What do your readers think? Would they like to give their opinions on the matter for me?
Hoping to see replies to this letter (my first to any paper) from all your readers.
Yours truly,
Dawn.