33

things. It's going to be such a lovely Christmas".

Jean followed Mrs. Prichett into the room, taking short and tightly girdled steps and feeling fully and happily female know- ing that the afternoon was going to be a

success.

The party was as festive as such an event could be. The girls were mostly quite young and acted bravely cynical at first, joining apathetically in the singing, and as the sentiment and the holiday spirit evoked memories of another and happier Christ- mas they became tearfully involved. Most of them remarked to Jean about how lovely she was and they stared at her bedazzled by her femininity. They sipped tea and ate cake which Mrs. Prichett called "simply divine, my dears" and after darkness had fallen, Joan stood at the head of a long table with the Christmas tree reflecting brilliants from the red satin stretched tightly over her full breasts and passed out the gifts.

They were sets mostly, slips and half slips, some gowns and robes. The girls held them up chattering happily and stared at their shining newness. yearning for the day when they might fin- ally wear them.

With the muted music of recorded chimes the party came to an end. Joan glanced at the clock and said that she would "simply have to dash". The girls sighed goodbys and Merry Christmases and Mrs. Prichett in a shower of tears and oh my, followed Joan to the door and waved to her as she walked down the steps and climbed into the waiting taxi. The driver made garulous remarks about Joan's being the "best lookin' Santa I seen dis year" and she sat tearily in the corner of the cab, won over at last to the sentiment of the season.

She paid the driver and hurried through the swirling snow to the apartment door holding her now empty sack up before her face as a wind shield. Kicking daintly she shook the snow from her boots and entered. She let herself into Nancy Morgan's apartment and leaned back against the wall sighing.

"From the way you look I'd say it was a success", Nancy smiled at her from a corner of the couch.

•

"Oh", Joan said, startled, "I didn't know you were home".