"Out of the Past"

EXERPTS FROM THE OLD "LONDON LIFE"

Dear Sir:

As a reader of your paper, I have noticed many letters of great interest dealing with the fascination many men feel for women's clothing, especially corsets and high heeled shoes. My own exper- ience--or rather that of my husband--may be of interest to many of your readers.

I have been married for five years, and have always been very happy with John, my husband. He has always been interested in my

clothes, and before buying anything now I always consult with him and, if possible, get him to come shopping with me. He always likes to see me looking nice and has excellent taste.

About a year ago he lost his job (in a bank) owing to no fault of his own, but due to reduction in the staff. In spite of every effort, he had not been able to find suitable work and, naturally, was feeling very badly about it.

A month or six weeks later, my Aunt, an only relative, died and left me her money and her business, which consisted of a high-class ladies' lingerie and stocking shop, situated in one of the best sub- urbs of London. She also had a small house in the neighbourhood, and all this passed to lucky me. John and I moved across London, into the house and decided to continue the business.

All went well for some time, but John could find no job, and al- though he helped me all he could he still felt that he was living on Naturally I did all I could to prevent this feeling, but all the same it was there.

me.

I asked his advice about the purchases for the shop, and very soon found out that he was astonishingly clever at picking the right goods and giving advice as to how they should be sold. Many times I said, "If only you were a girl and could help me in the shop, we'd double the trade." And he would reply, "I only wish sometime I were. I really believe I have a flair for it."

Gradually I began to have a vague idea, which at first I dis-

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