This experience having inspired me with courage, I indulged in another flight of daring which required all the _aplomb_ of a leader of Fashion to carry out successfully; and, though few of the "smart" Ladies of my set habitually indulge in the habit. I am happy to think I am encouraging them in a healthy and amusing pastime, which, in the Summer, may in time even rival Lawn Tennis! However--not to beat about the bush any longer--an utterly absurd expression this is!--as if it could hurt the bush to beat it!--to say nothing of the difficulty of keeping a bush always handy to beat!)--it is time I told you what this great achievement of mine was--_I went paddling!_ There!--the secret is out!--the Fashion is set!--the new Summer Amusement discovered! The Rules of the Game are being written, and will shortly be published under the title, "_Routledge's Etiquette of Paddling, for Ladies of Good Standing_." I need hardly tell you that the first thing necessary is to find a secluded bay, and it is also advisable to collect a few children to take with you--(there are usually plenty left about on the beach from which you can make a selection)--as a sort of excuse;--no other implements are required for the game, in fact, superfluities are a nuisance and only get wet--thus equipped--the game can be played with freedom--(_not_ from pebbles)--combined of course with propriety, and will be found amusing and invigorating--(quotation from the preface to the Book of Rules written by the eminent German Doctor, HERR SPLASHENWASSER--inventor of the Water-Cure. The next Race meeting requiring attention takes place at Doncaster this week, and the most important race, I take it--at least, _I_ don't take it--but the _winner_ will--another senseless expression--is naturally the St. Leger, for which I make a poetic selection, which has cost me weeks of anxious thought, no "leger" task!--(French joke)--owing to the number of horses engaged, so few of which will run! Yours devotedly, LADY GAY. ST. LEGER SELECTION. The best of the classic events of the year We are told by the students of "form," Is a foregone conclusion, 'tis perfectly clear, For the noble possessor of _Orme_. [Footnote 1: This should really be Burg_ee_, but then it wouldn't rhyme, and a Poet may drop a _syllable_, if he or she mayn't drop an H!] * * * * * [Illustration: THE WOMAN THAT WAS! _Monsieur le Marechal_ (_who, during the Forties, was a dashing young Military Attache at, the French Embassy in London_). "AH, DUCHESS, AND DO YOU REMEMBER ZE SO BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY MARY GWENDOLEN VERE DE VERE, ZAT EVERYBODY VENT MAD ABOUT VEN I VAS IN ENGLAND? VEN I TINK OF 'ER, MY 'EARRT BEAT EVEN NOW!" _The Duchess_ (_nee Mary Gwendolen Vere de Vere_). "OH YES, MONSIEUR LE MARECHAL, I REMEMBER HER ONLY TOO WELL!" _M. le Marechal._ "VAT 'AS BECAME OF 'ER, MADAME LA DUCHESSE?" _Her Grace_ (_with a sigh_). "_ELLE N'EST PLUS!_"]