* * * * *

“MARRIED AND SINGLE” should be played by Lady-Cricketers.  No single young person under seventeen should be permitted an innings, as any two sweet sixteens would be “not out,” and there would be no chance for the other side.  Match-makers are only interested in the Single.

* * * * *

LADY GAY’S SELECTIONS.

DEAR MR. PUNCH,—­For the first time have I seen myself in print!—­and I must say I think it very becoming—­and so nice and cool too this hot weather!  You are indeed a sweet creature for adopting my idea so readily—­and I really must say that if these obstinate Members of Parliament who oppose Women’s Suffrage would only alter their views, it would be much better for the Country—­or worse—­I don’t know which!

[Illustration]

Sir MINTING BLOUNDELL, whose criticism on my contribution to your well-written journal I invited, complimented me on my style, and suggested that when giving my selections it might be as well to refer to the “Home Trials” of the horses mentioned—­but I venture to disagree with him!  Goodness knows we all have home trials enough!  (Lord ARTHUR and I frequently do not speak for a week unless someone is present)—­but I do not think these things should be made public, and besides, it is an unwritten law amongst “smart” people to avoid subjects that “chafe”—­which sounds like an anachronism—­whatever that means!  Having an opportunity of a “last word” on the Derby, I should like to say that, although my confidence in my last week’s selection, La Fleche, is unshaken, I wish to have a second “arrow” to my bow in Llanthony—­of whom a very keen judge of racing (Lord BOURNEMOUTH to wit) has formed the opinion that—­in his own words—­“he will be on the premises”!  The premises in question being Epsom Downs, there will undoubtedly be room for him without his filling an unnecessarily prominent position, so I will couple Llanthony with La Fleche to supply the probable last in the Derby.

Meanwhile, I must say a word or two about the Ladies’ Race at Epsom on Friday next.  There is absolutely no knowing what will start for the Oaks nowadays until the numbers go up—­and no Turf Prophet will venture a selection until the morning of the race—­and this is where the perspicuity of an Editor like yourself, Mr. Punch, scores a distinct hit—­for such a paltry consideration as “knowing nothing about it” is not likely to daunt a woman who takes as her motto the well-known line from SHAKSPEARE:  “Thus Angels rush where Cowards fear to tread!”—­so herewith I confidently append my verse selection for the last Mare in the Oaks!

  Yours devotedly,
    LADY GAY.

THE TIP.

  ’Tis the voice of the Sluggard, I hear him complain,
    You have waked me too soon—­an unpleasant surprise! 
  In an hour or so later pray call me again,
    When, if feeling refreshed, I will straightway “Arise!”