With regard to the winner, Sir Hugo, whose success was a general surprise to all except myself—­(surprise is bad form)—­I can only follow the example of all other writers on turf matters in declaring that, “he always had my good word, and was in fact my winter favourite, as anyone can see who will take the trouble to glance through my earlier advices!”—­these will be difficult to find, as they were only conveyed in private letters which will not be published until my biography is written later on!—­(very much, I hope).  Still, had I pursued the ordinary course of trying to tip the Winner, Sir Hugo would undoubtedly have been my sole selection—­a fact which should not fail to weigh with my followers—­and I have followers in plenty, as Lord ARTHUR knows!

Having done the whole of Epsom week, I shall be glad of a rest to get ready for Ascot—­(four new gowns to try on)—­and besides there are some smart parties to attend next week, so Doncaster will not be blessed with my sweet presence.  However, I have a friend there on the Press who can be trusted.  So, in concluding this letter with my selection for the last horse in the Manchester Cup, I am able to recommend it very strongly, as my friend will do the placing; and as I am not there, no collusion can be suspected!

I must just mention that among the shows provided on Epsom Downs for the entertainment of the multitude, was one which I should like to see done away with, namely, the so-called “glove contests”—­which to my mind are not calculated to advance “England’s greatness” nor are they pleasing to look on at.  The “abolition of Slavin(g)” is undoubtedly a fine thing, but is hardly perhaps an unmixed blessing when it makes heroes of Dusky Warriors!

I hear from my friend Major CLEMENT that we are going to have a most successful Ascot in spite of the regrettable absence of Royalty; indeed he could have let all the Boxes twice over—­and as I shall be staying there all the week with my friends the Baron and Baroness LUTHER VON MONTAG, I hope to collect some valuable information for my betting readers.

Yours devotedly, LADY GAY.

THE TIP.

  To ride the first horse in the Manchester Cup
    Is a thing for which jockeys might quarrel! 
  But if modest young WOODBURN should have the “leg up,”
    He’s content to be last on “Balmoral.”

* * * * *

ESSENCE OF PARLIAMENT.

EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

House of Commons, Monday, May 30.—­House met to-day, with pretty assumption of things being just as usual.  SPEAKER in Chair; Mace on Table; paper loaded with questions; House even moderately full.  Mr. G. not present, but SQUIRE OF MALWOOD makes up for that, and all other deficiencies.  Quite radiant in white waistcoat and summer pants; wish he would crown the effect by wearing white hat;