_Friday's Letters_.
(1) Sir,--After reading 'Unmarried's' letter, one can hardly wonder that
he is so. He asks if any woman could have written Shakespeare, and
insinuates that she would be better occupied in meeting him ('Unmarried')
on the doorstep 'with a bright smile.' As to that, there may be two
opinions. Everyone to his taste, but for my part, if his insufferable
male conceit will allow him to believe it--I would rather have written
Shakespeare a hundred times over, and I am not alone in this view. Such
men as Mr. Dexter and 'Unmarried' are the cause why half of us women
prefer to remain single; the former may deny it, poker in hand, but murder
will out. In conclusion, let me add that I have never written an oratorio
in my life, though I sometimes attend them.
Yours, etc.,
"MERE WOMAN."
(2) Sir,--Allow me to impale Mr. Dexter on the horns of a dilemma.
Either it is too late in the day to discuss woman's education, or it is
not. If the latter, why did he say it is? And if the former, why did he
begin discussing it? That is how it strikes.
"B.A. (Lond.)."
(3) Sir,--_Re_ this woman's education discussion: I write to inquire if
there is any law of the land which can hinder a woman from composing
Shakespeare if she wants to?
Yours truly,
"INTERESTED."
(4) Sir,--Allusion has been made in this correspondence (I think by Mr.
Dexter) to the grave of that eminent educationist, the late
Platt-Culpepper, which is situate in the Highgate Cemetery. My interest
being awakened, I made a pilgrimage to it the other day, and was shocked
by its neglected condition. The coping has been badly cemented, and a
crack extends from the upper right-hand corner to the base of the plinth,
right across the inscription. Doubtless a few shillings would repair the
damage; but may I suggest, Sir, that some worthier memorial is due to this
pioneer of woman's higher activities? I have thought of a plain obelisk on
Shakespeare's Cliff, a locality of which he was ever fond; or a small and
inconspicuous lighthouse might, without complicating the navigation of
this part of the Channel, serve to remind Englishmen of one who diffused
so much light during his all too brief career. Choice, however, would
depend on the funds available, and might be left to an influential
committee. Meanwhile, could you not open a subscription list for the
purpose? I enclose stamps for 2 shillings, with my card, and prefer to
remain, for the present.
"HAUD IMMEMOR."