57.

"Well, Lily-Orville, the half-man, half-woman! Prettier than ever, too".

"Barbara", her mother reproved. Barbara began to laugh loudly and when she was asked what the joke was, she giggled.

"I just read in the papers where they are thinking of the possibilities of drafting women into the Wacs and Waves. Wouldn't it be something if, having become a girl to stay out of the service, Lily-Orville should be drafted into the Wacs, as a women?" Her laughter rang out and she was joined by Constance and Dora, but I was assailed by a sudden fear. WAS it possible?

In the next two days, Barbara took over teasing me and tormenting me about my girlish existence. But, where Connie's teasing was of the mocking kind, Barbara's was malicious Her acid tongue and venomous nature found an outlet in tormenting me. She had absolutely no fear of me, I thought, based on the incident of her spanking me, but one day, angered and aggravated beyond endurance, I raised my hand and with terrific force, slapped her cheek. To my astonishment, she blinked, raised her hand to her smarting cheek and began to cry, silently!! This was worse than if she had raged and stormed at me and I shifted uncomfortably on my high heels as I watched the tears flow down her cheeks. Clumsily, I put my hand out with a tentative gesture at comforting her and at last a sob broke out from her throat and she threw her- self into my arms, sobbing as thought her heart would break. I patted her shoulders consolingly, amazed at this revelation of her character. Brokenly, she mur- mured.

I

"Oh, Lily, I'm sorry for the way I've acted toward you, darling girl. I only did it because because Oh, I must say it! I love you! No! Wait don't leave! love you and I've always loved you! Oh, I've been so ashamed of myself! I've fought it because I know it's