multi-colored housedress, Tracy offered perfume, Caroline's was a compact, and from Alice he got a black nylon teddy with lavish white lace trim at the deep V-front and back and around the skirt. WOW! Then Mary presented him with a tiny box containing two diamond stud earrings, for pierced ears! Chris almost said 'Good grief' again.

Then he suddenly found himself taking another step down that pink lace path as he joined Alice in promising to have their ears pierced after New Years. Caroline asked them to wait that long since the healing process would take longer than the week remaining before the Biggest Party, Mrs. Ambrose's special staff affair.

Their clothes for that Party are the next item of discussion. By joint decree, Chris included, Judy led a small procession of six people down to the boutique and opened it up especially for her friends. Each tried on several special gowns, selecting one with the help of all the others. Chris was embarrassed and very insecure when his turn came as they helped him into a gorgeous lavendar satin evening gown. It was floor length and strapless!! Although he had to admit it looked great on him, it was too long. Several inches of hem brushed the floor. Judy informed him that his flats were not right and insisted that he would need full height four-inch heels to keep the dress off the ground and create the proper effect. She promptly produced the needed

shoes.

Chris DID comment aloud this time. "Good grief!" he groaned, as his feet were firmly packed into the stilted footwear.

The schedule at Mattie's Salon was jammed for the three days prior to the Party. But Caroline shoe-horned Chris into the schedule and did his perm herself, not asking his thoughts about the style he preferred.

His

"Wow!" was all he could force out as Chris stared in awestruck wonder at his reflection. rapidly growing hair had been given a shimmering auburn glow. Caroline had certainly outdone herself! A wisp of curls covere his forehead and at least an inch of soft gentle waves brushed his shoulders Despite himself, he loved it! It was sexy!!

New Year's Eve! Caroline and Mary stopped by early and helped Chris put the finishing touches on his makeup before they walked to Mrs. Ambrose's plush home together. Chris was bundled up against the cold night in a full-length fox coat on loan from Judy. Fortunately, the snow had melted off the walks, otherwise he would never have negotiated the slippery paths in those four-inch stilts he wore. Trying to ignore the aching ankles and calves, Chris concentrated on the stacato click of his heels on the sidewalk.

Gradually, his ears closed to the excited voices of the ladies walking with him as he contemplated the experience of his present ultra-femininity. Auburn waves swirled caressingly about his cheeks and neck and shoulders with each pace. Beneath the magnificent fur coat, sensitive nerve endings gave him intimate knowledge of his breasts held high by the low-cut gown, ribs and waist pinched by the reinforced bodice, hips sticking out like small shelves. The swirl of petticoats about his legs and ankles was delightful. Overall, Chris felt nothing short of sensual. He felt almost beautiful tonight.

Just inside the entrance to the large hall a small greeting line had formed consisting of Mrs. Ambrose, Dr. Brown, and Dr. Gillespie from the Psychiatric Ward, each woman making a point of personally greeting every arrival.

Mrs. Ambrose held Chris's hand firmly without