Report of the Competition

Tim competitors " Ethyl " and " Betty " were the joint prize-winners of the Leap Year- proposal of marriage com- petition, the report of which appeared in the Spectator of March 10th. As a further competition the Editor offered a prize of two guineas for the best refusal of either of the prize-winning proposals.

The entries refusing Betty's naive proposal were a little disappointing ; many of them sounded half-hearted, and in fact a few competitors waved .the possibility of a prize aside and actually accepted the gallant Betty. But Ethyl was not treated so kindly. She was considered " too dear," too dangerous, her position too insecure. She was rejected with vigour and decision. Since readers may have forgotten her eloquent appeal, it is reprinted below :- " Leap Year Day, 1928. DEAR Ma. Palerr,—For months have I waited for this blessed day, when I can uncork, and let my spirit flow with maidenly propriety. Mr. Pratt, I feel I owe to you my whole being ! You are the inspiration of my existence, the radiator of my fame—the secret of my success ! With a grateful heart I lay all at your feet, only asking that—when your spirit fails, or your energy tyres— when your headlights are dipping, or your feed system choked— you will remember that whenever you need her and for all time Drirri. is here."

Here is the winning refusal :- " ETHYL, in prose I've vainly tried to answer The sweet appeal of which your note is full : Easier in verse I find it, my entrancer, To seize the horns of metaphoric bull. Oh, if I could accept your uncorked spirit, We'd take the road together, fond and free. Spectators then could estimate your merit— But, darling Ethyl, this can never be.

Some say you've poison in your composition—

At least, I've heard it mentioned once or twice--• Although to me your lovely disposition Is only marred by being such a price.

In these hard days of licences and taxes My income is too small, and that is flat.

Repine not but believe me that the fact is, You never, never can be Ethyl Pratt."- -

Amongst many other amusing refusals, we have only space for the following " March 1st, 1928.

DEAR Erairr,,—You, who have so long pursued, overtook me yesterday. For a long time I have not been insensible to the spirit which has fired your every movement ; and I feel the time has come to put before you my feelings on this matter. Believe me, Ethyl, no spark of affection ever runs through me when I come in contact with you. That motive power called love, as yet, znakes my pulse beat no faster, makes my blood run no thinner. For my spirit -is proud and selfish ; to it I owe my energy ; by it I can overcome all obstacles ; and now on this high-road of life to which it has brought me I feel that a mixture, however rich, .dear Ethyl, of two such spirits would bring nothing but eternal domestic combustion. And so I must unwillingly refuse your proposal, but 1 beg to remain, Always at your service, Ma. PRAM.

"April lst, 1928.

DEAR ETHYL,—Neither your spirited letter nor your slim red figure which beckons to me from every corner has the least appeal to my tyred heart. The only one who can still the knock in my heart, the only one I would clutch to my bosom, the only one who can steer me to success is already installed as my partner in life and her

name is ' Mrs. Pratt No. 1.'—Yours (p)rattily, P. No. 1."

"DEAR Erim.,—You little pet. You know you are dearer to me (and everyone else) than all my other pets. You are so lively and so sensitive—for every time I look at you you seem to be blushing. Since I took to you we have got on splendidly-together, and I should hate to have to- give you up.. But I may not have the final say. In the House of Commons—did you know, dear ?—they have been asking questions about you, and a daily paper is making inquiries into your past. They are saying that the way you went on in America was simply poisonous. What led you to lead such a life, Ethyl I If you can only clear your character, dear, you may feel Buie my love for you will never dye.—Yours, PRATT:"

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"DEAR Mras Punr,—I am sorry, but I have to look after number one Yours very ours ve sincerely, I. Thfranzs-Prterr.'

" Telegram from Mr. Pratt to Ethyl.

Your ignition over advanced. Fails to spark though I thank you."