Tansvesua

around the stage, wondering what they would do without Sue. After many congratulatory remarks, we all went up on the stage and the piano and drum started for an hour-long rehearsal. Everything went wonderfully well, I fell into the routine easily enough, following the girls through three practice sessions. "You will do, Hon". Connie said. "Don't get frightened now if you make a mistake". "The others aren't too wonderful as perform- ers anyway, and no one will pay any attention", which brought a chorus of "boos" from the other girls, as they filed out for a half hour to rest before the first perform- ance. I gladly went back to the trailer and got out of those shoes. My feet were hurting me and the corset was getting uncomfortably tight. I did manage to eat a sandwich and drink a glass of milk, but just could not seem to manage my usual ample lunch.

Of

The evening performance went quite well, I was very proud and pleased with the way I had carried out my part of the show, although I did get the others rather con fused at the early afternoon performance out front. course they were over anxious and flubbed their parts too, all waiting for me to miss a cue. However, the out-front act is very short, mostly we just stood in a line and smiled prettily at the prospective customers, whom Uncle Jim bullied and coaxed inside to see the "big show" It was eleven o'clock eventually and I struggled to my bed exhausted, not even combing out my hair or removing my make-up. I danced all night in my dreams and woke up at ten in the morning, tired but strangely happy.

11

Aunt Effie came into the little bedroom and handed me a silk Chinese dressing gown, saying teasingly," break- fast is ready, Doll, here slip into these, I hope they fit?' As she produced a pair of mules" with pink bunny tails on the instep. Without hesitation I donned the frilly things and gracefully slid into the tiny dinette, much to the amusement of Connie and my Aunt. I found myself blushing under my make-up, and stared into the mirror at my side for reassurance. Jessica stared back at me, а little mussed but rather girlishly pretty. I looked and looked until the women's laughter brought me back to reality.

So began my life as a "Show Girl".

18

Connie had been