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hand from under Ted's, I started to get up but he held on to my fingers.

"Do you HAVE to leave?" he whispered. "When will I see you again?"

I nodded.

"Soon, I--I dont know." I turned and started back to pick up my jacket and gloves and he walked along- side me. Nodding to all, I ran, catching up to Barbara.

Attending a dance with Barbara, I wore high heels, scarce silk stockings and topped my dainty lingerie with a dress she had outgrown.. It was a lovely party dress of black tulle over an under-dress of pink satin. The skirt swirled out from the waist and the bodice was molded to the body. This was my first party dress and I find it difficult to recall my exact emotions after I was fully dressed and made up. I know I was no long- er afraid to appear in public as a girl; I had lost my fear of detection. I was not ashamed any more; that emotion had left me too. Happy? Not exactly, but I will admit to a sort of contentment. A contentment I had not felt for some time. In fact, I felt a quick surge of pride which I tried to supress as being shame- ful. In short, I was mixed up emotionally.

At the dance, besides Midge, Sally and Marge, we met Ted and his two friends, Steve and Don. Don and Sally were together and Steve and Midge seemed to be paired off. Ted rushed up to us claiming me for the ensuing dance. I danced that one with him the next one and the one after that. Sally came up to us where we were standing during a short intermission, took my hand and said.

"Come on, Lily, let's go powder our noses."

Taking her literally, I accompanied her to the ladies washroom. Not until we were inside did I catch the real meaning of her mission. When she returned from the closet, stood alongside of me at the sink to wash her hands and touch up her makeup. I was hoping she wouldn't notice the receeding blushes on my cheeks. Dabbing at her cheeks with rouge, she said.

"Ted likes you very much." I grinned boyishly. "In fact, 11 she continued, "if you're not thinking of