In a few minutes the phone rang, and Mrs. Knowles answered

10

it. "We have just decided he must be called 'Roberta' now, she said into the phone, and, turning to me, she said: "Roberta, your mother wants to speak to you."

"

"Yes, Mother?" I said. "Harold Jones just called, she ex- plained, "and asked if you were going to the movies with him."

"What did you tell him?" I asked.

"I told him you were over at Olive's, and that he should either call you there or come over and ask you whether you were going," she replied, "after all Harold and your other friends will have to learn sooner or later that your name is 'Roberta'" she concluded.

In a few minutes, Harold was at the back door:

"Hey, Robert!" he called, "are you ready to go to the movies?" Olive went to the back door, and brought Harold into the liv- ing room where her mother and I were seated, and Olive said:

"Harold, do you know Roberta?"

Harold hesitated a moment, and then exclaimed:

"Holy smoke! What are you doing in those girl's clothes?" "Robert is going to wear girl's clothes all summer, explained, "and his new name is 'Roberta'.

" Olive

"I don't suppose I will be able to do some of the things boys will be doing this summer,' I said, "but I will be able to go to the movies. I don't believe I should go this afternoon though."

"No, I don't suppose you will be able to do all of the things boys do," Harold agreed, "is it all right if I tell the other boys about you wearing girl's clothes?"

"I suppose so," I replied, "they will find it out sooner or later."

M

"OK, I'll see you later--Roberta, he stammered, as he bolt- ed for the back door.

"Well, at least, the news is out now," Olive said, "and I'll

35.