As they left, Gerald could hear the titters of the two maids echoing in his ears. Oh, how he hated them!

On reaching the staircase leading to the main floor of the huge house, Josie stopped long enough to caution Gerald about taking a firm grip on banister and stepping down very carefully, lest he trip over his high heels.

Both of them breathed a sigh of re lief as the descent was made without mishap. They continued on their way down the corridor, and, just prior to entering the drawing room, Josie once again bade him to stop so that she could make last-minute adjustments to his skirts, fluff out his sash bow, and fuss with his hairribbon.

Seemingly satisfied, Josie led him into the drawing room, announcing, "Master Gerald, Madame!" Aside, she whispered, "Don't forget your curtsey, Master Gerald.

Gerald's cheeks darkened to a deeper crimson under his rouge at her admonition.

"Oh, there you are, dear!" his aunt. exclaimed. Turning to her guest, who was staring at Gerald, wide-eyed, she asked, "Do you not agree that he looks very cute and vastly improved over your last visit?"

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10

"Good heavens, this can't be Gerald!" Mrs. Smythe eclaimed.

"I assure you it is Gerald," his aunt declared. "But it is a very much reformed Gerald, who is no longer a trial and a tribulation to me.

Eyes fastened to the plush carpet under his feet which he wished would swallow him uphis cheeks flaming, a picture of greatly. anguished boyhood, Gerald daintily gathered his swishing skirts between gloved fingers, extended them to each side respectively, dropped a deep curtsey, then stood stiffly erect, awaiting his aunt's further instructions, his fingers toying nervously with his skirt.

"My dear," said Mrs. Smythe, "I must say the change is priceless!"

"Did you hear the compliment which Mrs. Smythe paid you, dear?" his aunt inquired.

"Yes, Aunty,' "Gerald replied in an agonized whisper.

"Well?" she inquired. "Thank you, Mrs. Smythe!" nearly choked on the words. 11 -

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Gerald very