35.

cap on the eye shadow. "--that I used to wonder about Jack Langley. With his ability he could have had a position equal to mine in another department and yet--I started to mention this last week--he, you, stay in undies. Why?" Joan ran her tongue nervously over her scarlet lips tasting the rich flavor of the paint. "You do like undies, don't you?" Nancy asked. "What I've been trying to find out all along, I think, might be summed up by asking you if you'll accept a gift I bought for you. I want to know if it's appropriate or not. She reached behind her and picked up an elegantly wrapped box tied with a large pink bow. She handed it to Jean.

A small card at the corner of the box said simply: Merry Christmas, Joan.

"Nanoy, you shouldn't have!"

"You've been so good, Joan. Open it."

Slowly, with excitement and trepidation in a curious emot- ional marriage, Joan opened the gift. The ribbon fell away with a soft swish and she knew even as she slipped the top from the box what was nestled beneath the soft tissue. Her eyes dimmed as she caught the flash of heavy white satin, felt the delicate fret- work of expensive lace. "Nancy, I'm..I'm going to ruin my makeup again! "

"Well, Joan, is this an appropriate gift for Jack Langley? If not--"

"Oh, yes, darling!

I love it!" Joan held the gown up before

her and pressed the rich fabric to her cheek.

"Just as I thought," Nancy smiled. "That solves another prob- lem for me.

"What?"

aoon?"

"Do you think that Jack Langley could quit his job sometime

"Nancy! You're not--"

"Serious? Of course. As the position of department head is now open it's my responsibility to find someone to fill it.