was perhaps average in this matter and my outlook on this subject has always been heterosexual. I am extremely grateful for this.

In the early '40's I was in the service, either in school or overseas. There was nothing significant during this period. The old envies and feelings were always present but I believe the constant activity took my mind off things to a considerable extent.

I mentioned at the early part of this story that Marilyn was "born" when she was around 23 years of age. Let me tell you

of this.

I had returned from the service and was back in college. During the summer months I had an opportunity to travel to San Francisco for some reserve training. While there I visited the famous Finnochio's. I had not heard of it before and was taken there by friends simply because it was one of those things that any tourist should do while in the Bay Area.

But in one respect I was no ordinary tourist. To see the se female impersonators truly "set me off". I was thrilled that there were those who could dress as girls and in public too! I don't know where I had been all my life but this was nothing that my home town had had.

On the way back to my home state and town, the thrill of having seen these impersonators was with me. I too wanted to dress up, even though it would not be in public.

With fear and trembling, I soon made my first purchase of ladies apparel. The first store was the "hardest". There I bought some lingerie. I used the excuse that it was for someone else. By some stroke of luck, the size turned out to be fairly close to my own. I purchased a half slip at another store and a dress at a dress shop. Here I, had stated that I needed it for a masquerade party. The clerk was very co-operative, but could not understand why I picked out the more expensive satin rather than the plain cotton. She thought I was a bit extravagent.

It was a small shop and I was asked if I wanted to try it on for size. I was far too bashful then and regretfully declined.

After trying them on in the seclusion of my home, I became frightened of discovery and that same day destroyed the "evidence".

6.