An Ardent Admirer.
Sir,—Ah me! and well-a-day! it is the grand sorrow of my life! I cannot subscribe to this fund for Dr. Grace. I dare not, except you allow me to send it confidentially through you, Sir, ever the Ladies' friend. Ah Sir! long ago my heart "went out"—to whom? no matter. It was a cricketer. I never told my love! I long-stopped! But never, never, shall I forget that memorable day when he was there, and when someone, Dr. G. will remember who it was, bowled a maiden over! I am not a heroine, but I may sign this (as I address it fervently to)
"Grace Darling!"
The Lighthouse, A Little off—the Coast.
Sir,—I belong to an "Impi" tribe—with "cunious" added. Otherwise would I contribute what I did to the first cricket-match I ever played, when, as the ball was thrown at me, to save my head I gave a bob. I cannot even do that now. But as a lover of the game I hope that there are many youthful Britons eager to follow "Exemplum Gratiæ."
Yours, Stump Orator.
Dear Sir,—I think you are quite right to encourage cricket, as it is a noble game. The Duke of Wellington ones said that Trafalgar was won on the Eton Playing-fields. I don't think he was quite right there, as I have always been told that the battle was fought abroad. I am last in my class, but I'm in the second Eleven. I'm often "not out," and to-day I've had to "stay in" all the time during the match, because I had a saying-lesson to write out and translate. The other day I made 27, including three fourers, against the United Thingummies.
I remain, yours enthusiastically, Tommy.
The Only College.
P.S.—I will send my shilling as soon as I can get it from Batley mi. He owes it me for birds' eggs.