21 MAY 2005, Page 19

Slanderous Leanda

From Henrietta Bredin

Sir: I find I am the victim of gross slander in these pages, perpetrated by Leanda de Lisle (Diary, 14 May). She claims that one of my ankles was bitten by her in a moment of temper many years ago. This is a blatant untruth — I was far too quick for her. I do remember with great clarity the fine fury and terrible satisfaction of pulling her round the Middle School common-room floor by her long skinny plait. She has no doubt become an entirely charming adult, as of course have I, but at the time we were both quite evidently hot-headed and extremely nasty small girls.

Henrietta Bredin London SE11