Transvestia I heard the coffee boiling in the kitchen, made my way out there and shut off the fire. It was a good thing the stove was close to the table or I'd never have gotten any coffee in the cup. I wasn't too handy on the 'sticks', as yet. I pulled her cushioned chair out and sat down to enjoy myself. I'd forgotten the cream and had to get up again. I helped myself to a couple of cookies while up. I hooked the crutch hand-holds over the corner of the chair, as Grace did and proceeded to revel in my new role. I had eaten one cookie, got another coffee and the front door bell rang. Persistently, loudly and demandingly

Panic seized me. My heart came up in my throat and stuck there. I then remembered the reason for my being there....the coat, of course! I shakily got up on the crutches and went to the front door. A delivery man stood outside with a large suit-box. In a high, boyish falsetto I ordered; Would you please put the box inside the screen door? I've just gotten out of the bath! Thank you." He opened the screen and leaned the box against the front door. As he went down the walk to his truck I reached out and snatched the box in. He looked back as he climbed in and saw the door closing and drove off satisfied. So was I.... as I got over my scare.

•

I lugged the box over to the sofa and sat down. It was now a quarter after ten and I thought I'd better be getting out of Grace's clothes and go home. But, the box fascinated me and I opened it.

The lovely, soft, dark brown plush material and the mauve, silk lining felt heavenly as I wiggled my way into it. I walked into the full length mirror to 'admire' myself. Something wasn't quite right. I still didn't look as much like the Duchess as I would like to have. The coat fitted beautifully and I went back to the kitchen to finish my 'coffee break'. This was sheer luxury. Her lovely coat, clothes, hat and black kid boot. Oh, yes, her crutches too. I would never forget this moment if I lived to be a hundred.

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I looked at the clock over the window... 11:00 o'clock, Plenty of time for one more cup for the road. Then, I must, like little Cinderella, break the spell and put my finery away. Perhaps forever, unless some 'prince' found