50.

matter of fact way, with utter naturalness. Working harder than I had ever done in my life, with Constance acting the part of an exacting mistress, I almost for- got that she was my legally married wife and I came to regard myself as a servant girl.

In all this time, I had not gone out of the house, beyond the front door when receiving the groceries. Then, about two weeks after we had returned home, Constance dropped a bombshell in my lap. I was clearing off the dinner table and had my arms full of dishes when she said:

"Lilly dear, tomorrow you will pack my things for a trip. Pack enough for three weeks and pack some clothes for yourself too. We're going to Washington to see about some contracts and I want you along."

"Oh, Constance, no! Why do I have to go?"

"Because I say so.

a maid along. Now,

I'm not going on such a trip without I'll not listen to another word about it. You will wear a street dress for traveling and you can pack your maid's things in your bag".

Woe is me, I thought. After the ease I had felt in my role as a girl while with Barbara, I had developed a feeling of uncertainty after being cooped up in the house since then.

After packing the bags the next day, it was with consid- erable trepidation that I awaited the coming of the cab that was to take us to the station. I was wearing a dark blue suit of soft wool, a white sheer blouse that had a lace, baby collar, medium dark silk stock- ings, black high-heeled pumps and a cute black hat which had a profusion of veiling on it. Also, long black cloth gloves, a huge purse. My face was artistically made up with pancake, scented powder, lipstick, rouge, mascara, eyebrow pencil and further ornamented with earrings. I also wore necklace, bracelets and rings.