40-TV SERIALS, SANDY THOMAS ADVERTISING "A"

Deep in conversation about which good-looking and stalwart man they might be with over the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the girls paid little attention to me as I deferentially served their drinks, silently curtsied, and went back to my kitchen work.

Dinner was served just after 8:00. As the girls dined, I stood in the corner of the dining room with my hands folded neatly over my apron. Whenever I noticed my mistress gesture toward a near-empty glass or plate, I would nod to her and serve more food or drink. Miss Susan made the comment "the service is always great here, Cindy," which made me feel proud. The proud feeling disturbed me, however. Was beginning to enjoy playing the role of Miss Cindy's perfect little servant?

Miss Cindy sat back in her chair as her guests finished their dinner. I had studied hard to improve my cooking skills and I knew the dinner was good. Someone mentioned "this is good" once during dinner, but models aren't really gourmets. Besides, they were entranced by each other's latest items of gossip as they talked and laughed.

"Clear the table and do the dishes now, Cissie," Miss Cindy calmly ordered as everyone finished dinner. "When you're done in the kitchen, come serve coffee and tea in the living room, " she added as she rose from the dining room table.

The girls smiled as they got up to follow their hostess to the living room. As they strolled away, Susan idly mentioned that she thought it was great to just walk away from the table, leaving the mess for the "help" to deal with.

As they strolled off to the living room, I quickly cleared the table and brought the dishes into the kitchen. As the sink filled, I changed into my rubber apron. A wardrobe woman Miss Cindy knew had designed the unique pastel pink aprons for me. The slick, waterproof aprons all had a special ruffle around the edge designed to catch splashes and spills, protecting my uniforms from stains.

As I stood in my high-heeled pumps, uniform, and apron at the sink washing the dinner dishes, Miss Debbie breezed into the kitchen.

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and gloves, too!" "Does that apron really

"What a darling rubber apron Cindy's friend said delightedly. protect your dress, Cissie?"

MAID IN FORM "A" 41

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"Yes, it does Miss," I answered sheepishly. "Taffeta or satin watermark badly, so I have to wear something when I'm in the kitchen or the laundry" I nervously explained. I pointed out the ruffled edge and showed Miss Debbie how it caught spills and splashes.

"That's neat!" Miss Debbie said, impressed by how well it worked.

"You don't wear this pretty uniform to do housework in, do you?" Miss Debbie asked as she lightly fingered the hem of my short dress and stiff, lacy petticoats.

"No, Miss,' " I answered, still nervous. "I have other uniforms to do the housework in, but I often wear a waterproof apron with them, of course. Miss Cindy's laundry keeps me busy enough without having to constantly wash my uniforms, too!"

"So you really wear a uniform when you do Cindy's housework for her?" Miss Debbie asked, surprising me with her curiosity about such mundane matters.

I was nervous around Miss Debbie and I took a big breath to calm myself before I answered.

"Miss Cindy likes me to, Miss. They're just simple knee-length dresses though, with a starched white collar and cuffs. I wear a half-slip underneath instead of petticoats. Actually, with an apron they're perfect for doing housework in."

Stupidly, I continued to run at the mouth. "Miss Cindy insists I wear heels instead of flats, though, and they certainly aren't the best for housework! But she says flats make me look like her cleaning lady instead of her maid."

"Well, how mean of Cindy! I'm certainly glad I don't work for her, that bitch!" Miss Debbie said sarcastically.

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"Oh, Miss Debbie I didn't mean to complain!" I quickly said. "About having to wear heels, I mean, I explained, fearing my words might get back to Cindy. My mistress didn't like me to complain about having to wear heels. Miss Debbie casually changed the subject, much to my relief.

"Your uniform is pretty, Cissie. You know, I've always thought maid's uniforms were charming. With the short little dress, all the petticoats, and the little apron, they're very feminine. I'm surprised a designer hasn't closed a show with us sashaying down the runway dressed just like you are now!"