fearful of discovery. I was replacing the garments as neatly as I could when I heard noises. I got scared and rushed in putting the remaining garments back, then I ran naked down the hall to my bed. Even today I blush because when I was turning the corner and looked back it was my favorite aunt who was standing in the hall watching my disorderly retreat. Strangely though, not a word was said to me about the incident though I feel in my heart that she must have add- ed the whole business together and arrived at the truth years before I did. My aunt along with her other virtues was meticulous in her habits so I'm sure she must have noted something out of place--part- icularly in a drawer of carefully laid in lingerie.

Once a behavior pattern which is pleasurable has been establish- ed I believe it tends to repeat. At the age of 10 years, we moved to Buffal› and were temporarily residents in an apartment hotel. One day I came across one of my Mother's pink elastic and rayon pan- ty girdles which had a detachable crotch. I tried it on much to my erotic delight. I tried it on again at infrequent intervals until we moved to our new home. I was quite disappointed when I discovered that my Mother's continued use of the garment stretched and puckered the elastic making it particularly loose and ill fitting on my slim body.

At about this time, when we became established in our new home I discovered that one drawer in the linen closet and a trunk in the attio were bonanzas of feminine apparel stored for future use. I was elated at the time (and far more intrigued today) to find both a pink rayon elastic corselet and a panty girdle in the drawer. The se garments were decidedly more suitable to the size I was than to my Mother's size. Did she know? Did a sensitive love provide the se comforts to a tortured fascinated young boy? I wish I could know without risking a hurt to an aging lady. I haven't yet thanked her and I know I must if it is at all possible. After a period of per- haps 24 years the panty (which I wore once in a while when out play- ing) became puckered and was quietly removed--I know not how or when.

Also, during this period I investigated with relish my Mother's closet and drawers. I tried on her shoes, slips, foundations, etc. etc. I discovered where she dumped her orphaned silk stockings and I must I had lots of fun with them--even as shoulder length gloves. Our house had a maid's room and bath on the third floor and for a period of about a year I was permitted to have it as my own room. This assisted me in my endeavors in femme clothes.

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