Dear Sir, - Only rarely do we get letters from "Thud and Tap" girls or, more familiarly, monopedes, so that a recent letter from Peggy over the signature "Wooden-Legged but Light-hearted", was most welcome and undoubtedly unique. I have never seen a rara avis such as a double peg-leg, though a friend of mine about whom I wrote previously is entirely legless, but uses a pair of artificial legs. Kay, by the way, is now a little more expert on her false legs, and gets about unaided except by two stout sticks, though with a pronounced mechanical motion from the waist down. Owing to heavy wear on stockings, and rationing, Kay has gone almost entirely into slacks and ankle-socks.
To revert to "Wooden-Legged's" letter, she tells us nothing of herself as the extent of her loss. Perhaps she would have us believe that peg-legs are the easiest things in the world to walk on, the only trouble being to conceal their presence. This is impossible whatever is worn. Granted slacks give more cover than skirts, particularly if they are right down to the ground. But the moment the wearer moves, the illusion of the possession of two real legs is shattered. But to wear fleecy-lined crimson velvet trousers! I believe that peg-legs worn with a swim-suit would be less conspicuous.
Peggy only refers to her wooden extensions when in use and actually walking on them. This is the easiest part, but no one can stand or walk for ever. The difficulties start in the putting on of the wooden pegs and dressing, besides sitting down and getting up. Then again, there is the negotiation of stairs, bus travel, etc. It would be interesting to hear how she copes with this obstacles.
Failing the photos, the drawings from "A. H." were a good substitute. Three girls with four missing limbs between them must be near a record in real life. (I don't count Wallace Stort, who can group his fictitious monopedes and arm-less girls at will.) However, if I am not mistaken, "A. H.'s" friend Hilda had in previous photos lost her right leg. Perhaps the negative had been printed the wrong way round.
The letter and illustrations from "B. W." were worth the long spell of monopedic inactivity which preceded them. I hope she will write again with her other one-legged adventures. Her peg-leg and undies sketch was neat. I trust others will follow suit and that "B. W." will repeat the dose. If only some monopede were an opera length hose or "gap" fan, we could look forward to an occasional treat. Is it too much to expect?
Please thank "B. W." for her excellent contribution. When she writes again, perhaps she will tell us why such a useful piece of equipment as a peg-leg is relegated to the dust and cobwebs. I should have thought for A. R. P. work with slacks, it would be ideal.
Yours truly,
A. M. F.