11 APRIL 1914, Page 17

"EARLY COLLEGIATE LIFE."

[To THE EDITOR or ran "Brierraros."1 the review of "Early Collegiate Life" in the Spectator of March 28th, the mention of "one of Anthony's mistresses" leads to a reflection upon the "condition of University life at the time, and the current views of morality." May I remind your readers that in the seventeenth century the word " mistress " frequently meant a sweetheart, a fiancee, or perhaps only a lady admired at a distance, as may have been the case with poor Anthony Gawdy? Let us give him

the benefit of the doubt.—I am, Sir, &c., M. S. C. H.