Dear Sir, - The other day I met a charming girl, whom I shall long remember with pleasure, as conforming to many a monopede admirer's ideal. minus her left limb, amputated as the result of the deadly bone disease, and that, too, whilst serving as a probationer in one of the most famous hospitals, where she found herself, almost in the twinkling of an eye, transformed from nurse to patient, and her whole life's plan upset. Yet never have I seen a monopede so outwardly unconcerned with her deficiency and more determined to consider herself in all other respects a normal girl and a normally efficient member of society.
Moving swiftly and gracefully on a pair of light elbow-length crutches, the only sort she had ever used (contrary to all advice, she had learnt to walk with them in the first place, a most risky proceeding, one would imagine) - she looked a perfect picture of ease and self-assurance, and a living reproach to those who look upon a one-legged girl as a cripple or abject of pity.
Elsie, for that is her name, had never heard of London Life, and was much interested and astonished when I showed her letters and illustrations in back numbers. After some persuasion she hall promised to write herself, and should she do so, readers may look forward to a treat. A girl intellectually far above the average, her reminiscences ought to be enlightening. But maybe excess of modesty will prevent her. I hope not.
It was good to see that the young lady who signs herself "Margaret" in your current number had not forgotten, as so many do, her promise to write again. Her drawings are excellent, but the hand-rests of her crutches are shown as a good deal too high up to be practical. Truth to tell, crutches are not easy to draw accurately, and anyhow, both girls have sent us vivid portrayals of their general appearance.
Yours truly,
"C. D. B."