THE DUKE OF LEVIN SIR,-1 was delighted to read the
reminiscences of my friend the Duke of Levin. (Incidentally, how strangely the title 'Duke of Levin' rolls off the ear—on the Campden Rec. ground we always knew him affectionately as 'Bernie.') However, 1 must be allowed to take him to task on his claim to be the first person to wear a pocket
handkerchief in his left-hand, rather than in his right-hand, trousers pocket. I well remember dis- covering, on one of my youthful excursions into the game of 'clock-golf,' how awkward it was to transfer golf balls from the right-hand trousers pocket into my left hand, especially if the progress of the balls was impeded by a pocket handkerchief. I adopted the practice of carrying the handkerchief in the left-hand pocket—although this seemed a trifle caddish at the time—a practice which I have continued ever since.
At about the same time I began to wear a pocket handkerchief in the left-hand cuff of my jacket sleeve. Handkerchiefs had, of course, long been worn inside the sleeve, for I had observed the custom often among gentlemen members of our local Rotary Club, but it was always the right-hand jacket sleeve which received the handkerchief. One day, while I was making some cylinder-head gasket adjustments, with a spanner, to my 1936 Ford 8. I noticed that the cuff-links on my right sleeve were slightly obscured by the decline of my hand- kerchief. I instantly transferred the handkerchiel from the right- to the left-hand sleeve, a practice I have continued ever since.
I was sorry that the Duke did not find it worth while to discuss his well-known preference for American-tailored pants—a preference which I have long shared. Blue Texan pants, with matching zipped hip pockets, are what the Americans most excel at, I always think. Unfortunately I do not have the time, and you, sir, do not have the space, for me to recount the development of this par- ticular taste.
How interesting it was to read this intimate account of the background to public events! All your readers must share my gratitude.—Yours faith- fully,
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