67.

But, sur-

very disappointing. It was hardly my position to say much about it other than I was willing to try it. other saw the practical difficulties but was willing to risk it, but not being enthusiastically so I didn't urge it. prisingly, support came from a hitherto jeering quarter-- my sister. She thought the idea a wonderful one, and, from the first, assuming that it would be carried out, swayed Father into agreement. Sis said, that though she hadn't been invited she wouldn't miss the party for anything. was agreed that I should do it. I was delighted--not with with the thought of the clothes but with the intrigue of it.

It

Next afternoon the three "females" of our family went to Auntie's. But only after I had had a course of treat- ment even more thorough than before. In place of the dress I wore a very full, soft, dark blue skirt that swirled won- derfully. With it I wore a tailored longsleeved white blouse and over it a little waist-length pink vest. Snugly fitted, it buttoned with big silver buttons, and what it did for my padded bosom was wonderful. Instead of the pink nail polish I had worn before, Mother put on bright red but with a blu- ish cast so it didn't clash with my vest. There was no doubt I looked well and certainly the skirt and blouse were more appropriate for my age.

We arrived at Auntie's before her guests. I was raved over as before, and then plans were made to introduce me as a friend, "Gloria". The name was Sis's inspiration, though I had doubts I would remember that "Gloria" was me.

As the time approached I tingled all over--a thrilling sort of tingle such as one feels when a roller-coaster is poised at the top ready to begin it's first horrible down ward plunge. Then the guests arrived.

To Be Continued in No. 6.