She thought of Dot and tried to visualize her as she might look. No present image was imaginable, but only the provocative Dot of the past.

The room-mate of college days and shortly afterwards. Although they got along well, Mary found herself uncomfortable and irritable when alone with Dot. It further angered her that Dot usually lounged about only half dressed. One evening Dot preened before the mirror and caught Mary's gaze from her bed across the room.

'I know what you're thinking. That I'm vain and conceited.'

Mary didn't answer. All the reasons for vanity and conceit were there. Dot's body would be a Dot's body would be a 'find' for any photographer. The soft, full but not over-ripe breasts, the flat stomach, the full pelvis that swung with each step like a cradle of fecundity. With an odd look on her face, Dot moved to the wall and switched off the light. Instead of moving to the empty bed, the footsteps came up to Mary and stopped.

'Why are you always so cool with me?' Dot's face was so close that Mary felt the warmth of her breath. Mary reached out and pulled her close. There was no longer any reason to fight.

As Teddy returned on his bicycle, Mary rubbed her hand over her eyes in a useless gesture to eradicate memory. 'Did you mail my letter, dear?'

'Yes, Mother,' Teddy answered.

She almost wished he had forgotten.

Dot

From the promptness of Dot's answer, Mary knew the letter had been posted the same day hers was received. was coming to see her! 'I must see you,' she wrote.

Mary sat by the window and Teddy sprawled on the floor with a puzzle the afternoon Dot was to visit. Nothing like that could happen again, she told herself, although she was aware that her hands were cold with nervousness. Teddy called for some help with his puzzle. When Mary returned to the window the taxi was pulling away. A woman, overweight and badly dressed was coming in the walk.

Mary moved to the door. 'Come here, Teddy. I want you

to meet someone.

With Teddy at her side, Mary pushed her face into a smile and opened the door to the stranger.

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