Transvestia

mannerisms and dressing took us up to the day my wig came. Grace had changed her mind and gotten a short- bob blonde for my new personality.

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"For contrast", she explained. "So our personalities don't clash. I liked it immensely. Grace had made a real transformation. She was elated. So was I, for now I was Verna...for real.

CHAPTER NINE

A week after 'I became a blonde' I went over to Grace's and was greeted with a kiss and the bombshell that today, Saturday, would see my debut downtown! Naturally, I became a little panicky and demured but Grace assured me that I now made a very presentable one-legged chick and had to build up my confidence.

After I had dressed in a pink, crinkled-crepe and the black kid boot Grace took extra care with my make- up and wig. She called a cab, while I put on a white silk scarf, her black coat and a brimmed felt hat. the black crutch I checked in the mirror and went in to the front room.

Taking

"here's your purse, dear. I bought you a compact with a mirror, lip-stick, comb, pocket-book and there's one of my hankies. You wear this extra wrist watch I have. With the earings and necklace you'll look very nice. As Grace slipped into her brown and tan plaid coat a raucous horn announced the arrival of our cab. The driver's eyes hugged out when he saw two one-legged femmes come and climb into his hack.

out

On reaching 7th. street I nervously followed the Duchess out of the cab and into the Woolworth store on the corner. We hadn't walked around for more than a couple of minutes when I saw a girl I knew who had been to camp a few times. She looked right at me, down at my leg, then at Grace. She looked amazed then shocked and turned quickly away. I was immensely pleased because, this used to be my reaction to a female amputee. But, best of all. .I had passed the 'test'. I wasn't recognized!

•

Swinging up the aisle Grace stopped at a notions counter, I stood along side her. She picked up a spool of

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