She looked like a younger and more beautiful edition of Constance and there was less difference in our ages. If I had been free and had my trousers, I could have gone for Barbara in a big way despite her superior height. However, under the circumstances, I knew I could have little effect on her; still, I found myself hanging around near her as much as possible. She took advantage of this fact by or- dering me about, having me perform trivial duties, etc. Barbara spent many hours before the mirror catering to her vain emotions. Sometimes she would have me help her dress but my eagerness betrayed itself too soon and she stopped letting me help her into her intimate garments. Perhaps my hands lingered too long on the hooks or straps or maybe she could tell by my labored breathing just how I was en- joying myself. Anyway, our enmity being what it was, she bdenied me this pleasurable chore.

One day at dinner the talk in which I scarcely took part at all at first, was of the hardships of rationing. Mrs. Vickers and Dora are coffee drinkers but, as patriots, they tempered their complaints with resignation. They turned next to shoes and clothing. The husband of one of Dora's friends represented a large Eastern shoe firm and had warned that the Government intended to limit the sale of leather goods.

"We can't get along on four pairs of shoes a year", said Dora.

"You have to take into consideration what people are used to", said Mrs. Vickers. "Their standard of living why even charities don't give the same amounts to any two fami- lies. It would cause too much hardship."

"Yes, that's what I meant", said Dora. "You call it hoarding". She had seemed to address herself to me. I didn't answer.

"Later there will be a run on clothes too" asserted Mrs. Vickers. "It won't be so bad for Harry and Orville, but the poor women and girls"!