Dear Sir,–They say that what “the eye doesn’t see the heart doesn’t grieve over.” But look at me! I blush to say that I have only just discovered your paper, and I grieve deeply for all the back numbers that I have missed! I don’t mind saying now, as I have become your staunchest supporter, that when I bought the Autumn Annual of “London Life” it was more out of curiosity than anything else, and you can imagine my amazement and delight when I discovered all those wonderful articles and photographs; for tight-lacing, with the kindred subject of high heels, hold practically all my interest in life.
I had almost come to the conclusion that I was the last remaining “lunatic” revelling in this “pernicious practice,” and I was astonished to find that there really are others who, like myself, delight in the constriction of a tightly laced corset.
I think the article by “J. C. C.” is one of the most wonderful things I have ever read and especially the description of the little model walking about without her outer corset. Yet there is a joy in being squeezed in at the waist without a support either above or below, that must be experienced to be understood.
Alas! I cannot boast a 13in. waist, though I can get a little below my normal measurement of 18in. if I try very hard; but I, too, have a special belt made to snap from hole to hole with a fascinating click, and I frequently put this on instead of my corset, solely for the joy of feeling my body become weaker and weaker, while the muscles below the waist grow quite numb.
Of course, I can only wear this for a comparatively short time; but anyone who has ever experienced it cannot understand the sensation of having, as it were, a hinge at the waist and being quite unable to straighten one’s back.
But what interested me almost more than anything in “J. C. C.’s” article was the mention of the “pad” which his wife wears to conceal her figure, and I am writing in the hope that you will publish this letter and that perhaps if “J. C. C.” sees it he will let me know exactly how it is made.
A small waist is apt to be conspicuous even in these days of up-and-down dresses, and I have not yet been able to discover a satisfactory means of disguising mine. I should be so grateful if “J. C. C.” will tell me all about it, so that I can have one made myself.
Yours sincerely,
“BM/WASP.”