still very nice, two corsets, lots of hose, a pair of high black shoes, and a pair of beige pumps to match the afternoon dress, two purses with gloves to match. A string of pearls, a gold bracelet, a lovely topaz ring, and a pair of gold earrings. There were also such incidental accessories as veils, hat pins, dainty handkerchiefs perfume and powder. The lavishness of these gifts overwhelmed me there was no longer any use pretending that I didn't like feminine things for I fairly bubbled over as I thanked Mother and Aunt, and they seemed just as pleased as I. I couldn't wait to try on my new things, so I took up the black and white suit and excusing myself, went upstairs. There I took off my salmon suit, slipped into the new one, rearranged my hair, and went in to the full length mirror in Aunt's room. What I saw delighted me for the extremely feminine suit was most becoming. After admiring myself for a few moments I went downstairs, paused in the hall to gain poise, then swept into the room in my grandest manner, stopped in front of Mother and Aunt, and gravely revolved as would a model in a fashion show. They watched my pirouette and when I had finished and had given them a deep curtsey, they jumped to their feet with cries of pleasure. For the next few minutes I was the center of attraction while they complimented me on my appearance, and themselves on their good taste in picking such a becoming outfit. Then someone remembered the jewelry and in a few moments I had the pearls around my neck, the bracelet about my left wrist, and the ring on my right hand. The earrings required that my ears be pierced---and though I swore I wouldn't allow it, I secretly resolved to have it done at the first opportunity.

When it came time to go home I packed up as many of the new things as I could conveniently carry--put on the wide-brimmed hat and the new coat, and with Mother carrying more bid Aunt a fond farewell. It took me a long time to get to bed after we did get home, for I lovingly examined each article before I put it away.

Rising early in the morning I decided to wear my new things despite any remark Mother might make about my doing so voluntarily. New lingerie was followed by new corset, hose and petticoat, a blue cotton house frock, and the new black shoes. Just as I finished putting the final pin in my hair, Mother came in to waken me. Find- ing me up, and dressed as I was, she was delighted, and after chat- ting with her for a few moments about my new clothes she returned to her room to dress, while I went downstairs. Seeing me, Sue was astonished, and wished to know where I had gotten the new dress.

57.