If they be right who consider, in opposition to Juliet, that something is in a name, then those among us who hold that such a name as Juliet tends to annihilate wit in the possessor of it are not mere fancy-mongers, and we are entitled to a courteous hearing when we submit that on the other hand the name Nelly, and still more the variant of it by which it becomes Nell, almost announces the owner of it to be a wit. This circumstance is quite independent of the fact that Scott has said, in just so many words, in reference to a particular case, "Mistress Nelly, wit she has," and if any explanation of it may be hazarded, the one which will probably satisfy most is that persons named Nelly or Nell--and the number of such is, happily, legion--are hardly ever found lacking in whimsicality. In the few cases in which they are deficient in this quality they should be called--and, as a matter of fact, they are generally called--Nella, the name Nella being that form of Nelly or Nell by which all the sparkle is taken out of it.
In conclusion, a word on wits under their physiognomical aspect. That a certain type of face in general denotes a witty person may be allowed.
"The slightly tossed nose," says one of Thomas Moore's biographers, "confirmed the fun of the expression."
"The slightly tossed nose" for what the French call "nez retroussé" is happy wording. Girl-readers of this who have "tossed" noses are, by their faces, wits. Let this console them, if it so hap that they want consolation. On the other part, girls with short upper lips have a part of beauty, but lack a part of wit. Wherefore, if they be vain, let there be a curb put on their vanity, and let girls with long upper lips hold up their heads, for a long upper lip denotes wit.
OUR PUZZLE POEM REPORT: "TO A GIRL GOLFER."
Take a helpless little ball, Drive it into space; If perchance you see it fall, Try to find the place. And, as it is very small, Hit again that hapless ball With a savage grace.
If your strength and courage stand Such unwonted strain, By-and-by your ball will land On a little plain, Near a hole--you understand-- Into which you putt it and Then begin again.
Edith Ashworth, The Mount, Knutsford. Dr. R. Swan Coulthard, Coventry. Mrs. Deane, Lismoyle, Ballymoney, co. Antrim. Edith E. Grundy, 105, London Road, Leicester. Edward St. G. Hodson, Twyford, Athlone, Ireland. G. Honeyburne, 16, Hawkshead Street, Southport, Lancs. Louise M. McCready, Howth, co. Dublin. Annie Manderson, Waterfoot, Crumlin, co. Antrim. F. M. Morgan, The Library, Armagh. May Robson, Garry Lodge, Perth, N.B. W. Shattock, Hillmorton Villa, Sneyd Park, near Bristol. Mrs. Isabel Snell, 51, Mere Road, Leicester. Alice Woodhead, Tickhill, Rotheram, Yorkshire. Elizabeth Yarwood, 59, Beech Road, Cale Green, Stockport.