Thirtieth of June, 1937
(third week in Buenos Aires!)

My Dearest Milonguero Friend,

I would never have imagined that ladies here could be quite so inventive when declining one’s invitation to dance. I suppose it is their prerogative, if they do not fancy a gentleman’s dancing or coiffeur (why would anybody want to dance with a mop head, after all?). Here are some of the admirable stratagems they have developed :

‘The Blind Spot’ – Ladies may stare at their feet or look away innocently as a gentleman approaches. I suppose this is the least uncomfortable way for both to avoid some ghastly embarrassment.

‘The Distracted Search’ – Some fumble in their handbag as the gentleman approaches : remarkable how long they can keep up this wonderful charade.

‘The Scene Flee’ – Others stand up and go to powder their noses. They manage this with such great aplomb, the poor chap never realises that he has been ‘chucked over’!

‘The Growler’ – A ferocious type, given to growls and snarls. While not too common, there are still a few dangerous damsels that a chap is well advised to avoid.

One other frequent tactic is honesty – simply ‘no, thank you’. As Antonio often says : ‘There are infinite ways to say no but please be a sport, ladies. And now, what about saying yes – every Jill has a Jack after all.’

I shall write again next week. Toodles!

Arthur