Transvestia

As the fires within were stoked liberally with alcohol, Henry became his "new" self again. Courage and deter- mination returned with each jigger.

re-

The alcoholic tingle sparked his imagination, kindling a longing to be with Gracie again. He sat very quietly, staring off into the murky atmosphere, seeing only the vision of the infinitely charming Gracie. His glass was refilled with clock-like regularity until his five dollars and some change vanished. Feeling just a little tight and hungry for companionship the temporarily exbanker Detweiler almost automatically made his way to the store window where "Gracie" worked.

As he stood there, again lost in a trance, Henry imagined renewing their acquaintance and once more he 'squired' Gracie about the town. This time they attended a lively stage play, full of zesty double entendre humor. (He was surprised to find himself laughing wholeheartedly). Whatever Henry proposed they do, he met with enthusi- astic approval. He found that Gracie had a grand appreci- ation for just about everything that he really liked. Henry reveled in her light-hearted wit, loving her happy laughter and bubbling spirit. It was so different from his past life.

They dined late at Maxim's and took a carriage ride through the park. In the darker sections, his arm strayed about her and he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. And it seemed that she really liked him as the romantic, gay cavalier that he felt himself to be. With affection returned, Henry's spirits zoomed! Here was a fulfillment of a kind hardly remembered. It pleased him immensely that she could find him an interesting companion. He had just escorted her 'home' when the evening's date was ter- minated by the floodlights of the store window being turned off and the dim night lights turned the window into shadows.

Henry was not feeling very sure of himself. His head was held high and there was a new vitality about him. To a casual observer, he was alert and determined, though inwardly he was totally absorbed with the enchanting per- sonality of his dear friend Gracie. Off to bed, and once more the joyous, happy hours with his ideal companion marked the night.