Dear Sir, - I am a friend of that charming person who wrote to you recently under the nom-de-plume of "Predilected," and am also the "Valerie" mentioned in the article by "Rotto."
The cause of my particular lameness is shortness of leg caused by a locked knee-joint, which means I cannot straighten the limb and to balance the lacking inches have to wear what is commonly known as a "high boot."
Only those of us who have to suffer this hideous form of footwear know the pangs of misery the wearing can bring. Despite the handicap to a chic appearance. I have always endeavoured to look as attractive as possible and to take pride in highly-polished boots.
In vain have I endeavoured to obtain shoes, but am told that nine inches of cork is unsuitable and would not be practical in use - the weight tending to pull the shoe off.
So, I have resigned myself to the inevitable and just laugh it off. When I am with 'Rotto" he delights to see me limping around in ordinary shoes with high heels, and to give him pleasure I am happy, even though limping so deeply down to left occasions some strain of muscles and consequent pain. I love him, you see.
It is a delight to see how pretty my feet look shod daintily in size "3" shoes, and I hate, hate, hate the wedge of cork which at the curfew hour of parting I have again to don.
After some thought I am seriously considering reverting to the "outside" type of cork boot, because I loathe appearing club-footed in the "inside" style which a present disguises my limp. Or possibly, I could have a shoe made in a built-up shoe fashion, rather like the present-day beach style. Perhaps some of your readers with similar trouble will air their views in this subject.
I am happy to be one of "Predilected's" "thrills," for it is great fun to know, and made me realise that: my "Rotto's" adulation is utterly sincere and not just a new line of approach as I at first imagined.
Incidentally, despite my handicap (or perhaps because of it!) I have never lacked admirers, so I adjure any lame girls who are feeling sorry for themselves to "snap out of it" and make the best of the "thrill" they possess.
Thank heaven for the "Rotto's" of this unkind world, who do their best to brighten the lives of people who have been handicapped in some fashion and have to grin and bear it.
Naturally, one cannot be at one's ease in the company of anyone, feeling half ashamed of ones crippled condition, but I have been fortunate in the friendship of two men who have proved to my entire satisfaction that such a liability can be turned into an asset. Both, by the way, in addition to being delightful companions, are good-looking and smart - worthy escorts for the most critical.
It is wonderful to be adored by someone who looks upon my particular lameness as a very real attraction, so that I can afford to smile at the callous cruelty of others who attempt in a patronising way to pity me.
If I have any regrets at all, I think that they are chiefly that my little left leg (lefty!) was not amputated, for it must be thrilling to be a monopede and clothe the one surviving leg in superlative fashion, swinging along on slender crutches.
Away with envious thoughts, for I am and have a reputation for being blithe and gay, so sign myself,
Happy.