therine said "Oh yes! I didn't mean to worry you.

See you bright and early in the morning.' With that, I said Good night, " and retired to my room.

The next morning I could hear Aunt Catherine moving about the kitchen as I sleepily made my way to the bathroom to wash and shave. She was humming a tune I couldn't place but it sort of set the tone for the whole day. When I returned to my room to dress I happened to glance at the vanity. There on a wire stand was the prettiest hat I had ever seen nicer than any I had tried on at "Marshall's" the day before. I ran to the kitchen and gave Aunt Catherine the big- gest kiss I knew how and a hug for all I was worth.She smiled, and in the understaement of the year said, "Oh I see you found it. I gave her another hug and asked her to "please come and help me put it on. She came to my room and sat on the bed while I did a lightning job of putting on a face. Then she helped me with the hat. It was black with pink roses set under folds of black nylon tule. I could have worn it to meet the Queen of England had the situation presented itself. Why, I could have been the Queen herself.

At breakfast Aunt Catherine detailed the things which were to be done in her absense and added that she had several errands to run which would keep her away most of the day. I was doing the dishes when she left and my mind was searching all the while for the best way to say "thank you" for the lovely hat. I explored the possibility of theater tickets, dinner at a nice restaurant, perfume Then all of a sud-

den I knew a way to express my new feminity in my "thank you" a way that would really be appreciated in all its ramifications. I would bake Aunt Catherine a chocolate fudge cake which I knew she liked very much.

I worked like a trojan on the tasks Aunt Catherine wanted done but it was already 3:00 o'clock before I finished up and was able to start on the cake. I got out the ingredients called for in the recipe and started to concoct the batter. I found myself using quite a few bowls and pans but everything seemed to be proceeding according to plan. I put the cake in the oven about