He was ready for the final touch. Bernie took a large hat-box from the closet shelf, and from it removed a long blond wig. It was a very expensive wig. In buying it for Bertha, he had spent more than a week's salary. It was worth it, however, for the wig was flawless. Bernie placed the wig on his head, and with that gesture Bertha took over.

She moved before a long, full-length mirror. "How do I look?" she asked. "Bertha, you're beautiful," Bernie's voice answered from deep within her. The remark was completely true, and both Bernie and Bertha knew it. As a boy he was short, dumpy, and impossible. As a girl, she was slender with a perfect figure. Her face was delicate and feminine. The careful use of make-up made it a startlingly beautiful face. Men always turned their heads when Bertha walked by.

Bernie kept her from going out much. Actually, he was afraid of her, for the police would gladly arrest her, and too, there was a danger where men were concerned. Like any normal female, Bertha had an intense interest in men a dangerous situation under the circumstances. Bernie, however, felt no sexual interest in the male animal. None whatsover. As a matter of fact, he had often felt a certain sexual desire for women. His efforts, however, in this direction had always been frustrated. He had long before stopped chasing women.

Bertha walked to the bureau drawer and extracted a pair of earrings and a necklace. She snapped them on, picked up a white purse into which she put Bernie's money. Then she turned the fire off under the coffee, and walked out into the night.

Her first stop was at a small cafe where she ordered dinner. Throughout the meal, she noticed the tall, handsome fry-cook eyeing her hungrily. Bertha smiled and flirted with him. Nothing came of it, however, for soon she was strolling down the street again, still alone.

Suddenly, Bertha felt the urge to be picked-up by a man. She could hear Bernie warning and pleading, but she ignored him. She entered a soft lighted cocktail lounge and seated herself at the bar.

"Make it a gimlet," she told the bartender in a soft, contralto voice. A few moments later the drink was placed in front of her. She reached into her purse for money.

"I'm buying the lady a drink," a male voice announced. Bertha turned and smiled at the handsome Marine sergeant sitting next to her.

"Thank you," she said, narrowing her eyes into a passionate and seductive look.

"Stop it!" Bernie's voice bellowed from below. "Quit before it's too late." "Wow, I go for you, baby," the Marine said, gently placing a hand on her knee. Bertha gently squeezed his hand. A tingle ran up her spine.

Some three drinks later, the sergeant was kissing her ear and running fingers. gently over her knee. "I gotta car outside," he whispered. "Want to go for a ride?"

"I'd love to," Bertha sighed.

"No! No! No!" Bernie was wailing.

Bertha rose. The Marine moved behind her and placed hands gently around her tiny waist. She turned to face him. The sergeant kissed her lips. Bertha was elated.

"Oh, God, no!" Bernie wept.

The Marine led her outside to a waiting car. He opened the door and Bertha

21