experience, and for the first time I realized that I was beginning to enjoy my novel position--for I knew I looked well in feminine attire, and the softness, daintyness, and variety of the clothes appealed more and more to me.

The next day was much like the preceding ones; I spent the day in a cotton house frock, helping with the sewing, and the even- ing in the blue silk gown I had worn the second time I appeared in dresses. By noon of the next day the suit was finished except for such finishing touches as buttons, which Aunt had not yet purchased; so that afternoon she got ready to go downtown to do this necessary shopping. Mother had other plans, so Aunt asked me to go with her. Though my trip to the theatre had immensely helped my confidence I did not relish the prospect of a trip in broad daylight; but after much urging I consented, and we started out. I wore a rather plain light-brown suit, its long open jacket had flaring skirts, and it was trimmed with gold braid--the skirt was perfectly plain. Under it I wore a ruffled white silk blouse with a high neck. I also had on a brown hat with a heavy veil, brown purse and gloves, and a gold bracelet.

I was very nervous at first, but by the time we were downtown and in the stores I began to relax for the saleswomen were most polite and seemed to find nothing unusual about me--one delighted me, and amused Aunt, by saying, "My Miss but you wear your clothes nicely."

a

Aunt shopped with a vengence--after getting the notions nec- essary to finish the suit she bought a lovely sheer silk blouse with a froth of lace ruffles down the front, a dainty silk and lace chemise, bloomers, petticoat, hose, a very nice corset, a salmon colored velvet hat with matching purse and gloves, and finally, pair of high-heeled reddish brown shoes. I stayed with her all the while; and though I was frequently embarrassed when the clerks showed me, as well as Aunt, the dainty apparel, I enjoyed the after- noon and frequently made comments on the things Aunt was consider- ing. The scope of her purchases amazed me for she already had plenty of clothes, but when I inquired about it she merely said that she wanted an entirely new outfit to go with the suit. I was tired and excited when we got home, and elated at the good job I had done with my masquerading. And all the nice things I had seen had opened my eyes to the possibilities a woman has in selecting clothes--thus adding to my already awakened interest in things feminine.

49.