the mirror and back. I wish to make sure that your little skirts have the proper sway and bounce," Josie teased.

As he minced daintily along, Gerald pictured in his mind's eye Nancy as she giggled and tittered and made cutting remarks.

Oh, what had he done to deserve such awful treatment?

Satisfied that nothing was amiss, Josie took him by the hand and led him down to the drawing room for his aunt's inspection.

"My, what a lovely little baby girl I have, "she cooed.

"Oh, Aunty, please don't let Nancy see me dressed like this! I'll just die of shame if she does," Gerald pleaded, to no avail.

"Nonsense ... come here and sit beside me and play with your cute little dolly," she commanded.

Tears filled Gerald's eyes as he sat down beside her on the plush carpet and began to fondle the doll listlessly. If only he could die before Nancy came!

38 -

"And, Leslie, I shall expect you to speak like a six-year-old, too!" she ordered.

"What do you mean, Aunty?" Gerald

inquired,

"For instance, if asked what you are supposed to be, you are to reply, 'I'se a ickle dir1!!!!

"Please, Aunty, not that!"

"Exactly that! Now what are you,

000

my dear?" she inquired. I ...

11 I 000

I'se ... a

090

ickle dirl!"

Gerald said haltingly.

Josie entered and announced the arrival of Mrs. Smythe and Miss Nancy. When Gerald began to get to his feet, his aunt motioned him to stay exactyl where he was. "Why, that's that's Gerald!" Nancy squealed as she entered, clapping her hands together in delight. "Oh, he's cute!" she added.

000

"My dear," Mrs. Smythe gushed, "What a simply precious ensemble!"

Gerald's aunt rewarded their comments

39 -