MISS DRAFT DODGER Concluded-- a

46.

A flash of joy swept over me for one brief instant and was replaced with a twinge of conscience at the casual dismissal of my real sex. Feeling it the thing to do, I began to work up protests against this summary method of assuming that I was putty in the hands of any woman, even my own wife and the assumption that I would willing- ingly consent to refute my sex made me resentful. My lips formed the words that would put these ideas into the open when Constance leaned over and, with her right hand, caressed my cheek.

"You're such a lovely girl, darling". Her gloved fin- gers brushed softly against my half open lips. "Honestly, I did not recognize you when I ran into that room. You've changed so much! You're so So - girlish. And, of course now that you can never be a man again, it is just as well that you DO make such a pretty girl."

"NEVER BE A MAN AGAIN?" I shouted. are you talking about?"

"Constance!

What

"Why, you must realize that you have definitely cast the die. I know you are not so stupid as to not know that when you didn't report to your draft board, your name was immediately sent to the F.B.I. Why, since then, I've had four visits from them and they were seeking information as to your whereabouts. You're listed as a deserter and the punishment for desertion during war-time can be death. And, don't think they will stop looking for you in a short while, or even when the war is over! No, darling, you're in for it now! They'll never stop hunting for you. Oh, I sup- pose you COULD go back to being a man and try hiding, but where will you go? What will you do? How will you live? If you try to get a job, you'll be asked to show your draft card. No, no, my dear boy, you could never manage it. And, as long as I am stuck with you, you'll have to stay dressed as a girl and live as a girl. I am certain to be watched by the F.B.I. but you'll be safe as long as you stay a girl. So you are