16.

a woman. I had been the smallest and "prettiest" baby in the family. Because of an ample covering of hair on my torso and limbs and because of my masculin manner, heavy beard, etc. my masculinity had never been quest- ioned. I was then and still am 100% male, if one can draw such a line between the sexes.

Back to the story: The chairman convinced me of the genuine desire of everyone for me to play the bride and appealed to me in a rush hour peak at the laboratory and I gave in with a reluctant, yes. This was a decision that was to later change my life.

It soon became obvious that the Womanless Wedding 'was to be a big show.

Over 2,000 tickets had already been sold. In fact response was so great that the show had to be planned for TWO nights in succession to accomodate the crowd. Donations of items for the bazaar after the show were generous. My enthusiasm perked up and I began to feel a sense of duty for my part in the show.

The several rehersals of the "Womanless Wedding" were fun for me, after so many months of staying to my- self. I was still very reluctant about the idea of wear- ing women's costumes, and I even managed to beg off from wearing my costume at the dress rehersal, giving some minor excuse. During the several weeks of preparation my costume began to take shape. My secretary did most of the actual shopping for me. I had agreed to pay for the needed costume as my contribution to the costs.

The show called for one change of costume....a change from the wedding gown to a "going away" dress, which meant two complete costumes. My secretary purchased a beautiful but inexpensive wedding gown with a long train, veil, etc. White gloves, white slippers, nylons etc. She, sensing my dislike for wearing the clothes, went about the buying for me in a business-like manner, not once kidding me about it. She even kept the matter a se- cret from the other three employees. Without asking me, she purchased a "waist cincher", a girdle (one piece