the cloth out for my inspection, said, "There. Don't you think that will make a pretty suit?" It was a rather heavy reddish-orange velvet--really a lovely color--and very fine material. Indeed I agreed with her that it should make a very handsome garment. Then she got out the pattern and started to work. I helped as best I could, and for the next few days alternated between seamstress and dress dummy, acquiring in the process a considerable dexterity with needle and thread; and surprisingly, enjoying it more and more as we progressed.

That day we worked until the middle of the afternoon, when I changed into a beige wool dress cut on very plain lines with a high neck and long sleeves. It was trimmed with embroidery of a con- trasting color. After dinner we went for a walk; over my dress I wore a long plain black coat, black hat, purse, and gloves. Al- though I was nervous the walk was uneventful, and I arrived home well pleased with myself. By that time I had become quite accust- omed to my clothes, and felt at ease while wearing them. Only occasionally did the corset bother me and at times I actually found myself enjoying the feel of my skirts and the daintyness and smart appearance of my apparel.

The third morning found me attired in a floral print house- gown, and soon after breakfast Aunt and I were again engrossed in our dressmaking. By that evening when I changed into the dark blue skirt and frilly blouse that I had worn the first time Aunt dressed me as a woman, our work was well started--the skirt finish- ed, and the jacket beginning to take shape. Aunt was an extremely careful and competent seamstress so the cut and workmanship were excellent.

All that day Mother and Aunt had alternately teased, and dared me to go to the theatre with them that night--finally I took the dare and so that night for the first time I really appeared in public as a woman. Dinner over we got on our hats and coats and walked to the carline. As the brightly lighted car stopped for us I became so panic stricken that they had to practically carry me into the car. After we were seated I darted glances at the other passengers in the car, and to my relief none seemed to be paying any attention to me. It was the same throughout the evening--I was frightened as could be, but my fears were in vain for nothing hap- pened, however, I was never so relieved as when we arrived safely home. When my nerves quieted down I began to feel elated about my

48.