detected approving glances from some of the men present.

Arriving home, we took off our hats, and then when we went in- to the living room Mother threw her arms about me and burst into tears. I couldn't imagine what the matter was until she sobbed, "Oh Davy you were absolutely wonderful--I'm so glad you decided as you did for it makes all the difference in the world in you." Her quick intuition had sensed my decision and seen its outward effect on me--for I no longer slinked and tried to hide--rather I walked as a queen, proud of my beauty, my lovely clothes, and my ability to wear them.

"But why cry Mother?"

" •

"I can't help it, she sobbed, "It's just that I'm so happy." And then as I tried to dry her eyes I astonished myself--for I started to cry too, something I wouldn't have thought possible.

At last we were on a basis of understanding, and we spent most of the afternoon discussing my venture into feminine life. I frank- ly confessed the ever-growing desire, and at the same time, fear of ridicule, that had plagued me ever since the day Aunt first got me into dresses. And she explained how much she liked me in a femin- ine role, and that I had her complete approval whenever I wished to wear dresses, and it was agreed that I would do as I wished in the matter with never any ridicule or criticism.

The next morning, I put on my blue house frock and spent the time helping Mother about the house. At lunch she suggested a shopping expedition and I agreed with alacrity. I wore my brown fur-trimmed hat with a veil, and under my coat the new embroidery trimmed beige gown. Our first stop was, as Mother explained, to buy some things that I needed; our purchases consisted of several dainty silk-and-lace nightgowns, a blue velvet feather-trimmed neg- ligee, and some mules. Mother consulted me so much in purchasing them that they were really my selection, and I was delighted at the prospect of wearing these new things, and also pleased that Mother would trust my judgement so much in selecting feminine underthings. After that we did some incidental shopping, then, at Mother's sug- gestion, we dropped into a doctor's office and I had my ears pier- ced. This was a surprisingly painless operation, and to my utter gratification not even the doctor noticed anything strange about We took dinner in a fine restaurant where I was treated with the utmost politeness, then came home for the balance of the even- ing.

me.

59.