24 -THE FRILL OF IT ALL!

"So? I never got a letter."

They both looked a little guilty before Margaret admitted, "Ted wrote to Jacqueline care of Susan. Since then a lively correspondence has developed." She added, "Susan and I have been ghost writing your letters for 'Jackie' and sending Ted pictures from time to time to keep his interest in you going. It was all a little joke."

"On me! There was no reason to do this!"

Susan said, "Actually, there was. It was part of my thesis. I wanted to see it this guy could tell from the picture your gender. I did a paper on it."

Margaret said, "I'm so sorry but this guy is coming to town for a one day visit a week from Saturday and naturally he wants to take you out on a date. I guess he really likes you. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if he asks you to go steady.

وو

"Steady? Oh, is that all?"

"That's the whole story."

I was choking with rage. "Girls, you must be crazy. I have no intention of going through with this wacky thing. As for you, Margaret, I'd like to wring your neck,

وو

"Oh, come on, Jackie. Don't be a prude. It's only one date. Take his ring if he offers it to you and then we'll mail it back to him later. What's the harm?" "You girls are nuts...

وو

Margaret got serious. "If you go through with this harmless little joke, I swear I'll tell my parents we are getting married! You've wanted me to commit for months.

Reluctantly, I admitted to myself that Margaret was always as good as her word and I wanted her to commit to me. It looked as though I didn't have much choice except to go through with this ridiculous masquerade. And as Margaret had pointed out, it was only for one evening. Assuming I could avoid detection, it wouldn't really hurt anyone.

"Okay, Margaret, I'll do it on the provision that you give me your promise you'll never try to get me in dress again. Will you promise?"

"Yes, Jackie, dear. I promise." she said as she

SANDY THOMAS ADVERTISING -25

My training began again. I not only had to

walk in heels. . .I had to learn to dance!