Transvestia

queried poor Mr. Detweiler as to "other things". 'Some lingerie, perhaps?" "We have some really beautiful panty and bra sets; and some beautiful new negligies imported from France.... By now Henry was beyond dissent and agreed to her suggestions, leaving it to the judgement of the saleslady as to the style, color, and size. Need- less to say, the saleslady was a sales-lady and brought out an ever more exciting (and embarrassing) array of feminine delectables-· enough to outfit Gracie from head

to toe--several times over; not forgetting a bracelet, broach, earrings, and necklace. Though somewhat after- hours, the clerk was intent on leaving no stone unturned in increasing her commissions. However mercenary her intentions were, she did have excellent taste.

"Of course, we won't be able to make delivery any more today, but we will send them out the very first thing in the morning." "Where would you like them sent?" "To the Imperial Hotel, Room 712, please", stammered Henry. The sales total halved his slim reserves, but so far as Gracie was concerned, any price would be all right with Henry. Emotions of every sort assailed him. He was so befuddled that he didn't even see Gracie standing there so patiently as he left. He couldn't quite understand where Gracie was-- in the window-in all those parcels inside-or only in his feverish memory. How very vexing and confusing!

In a wrought-up mood, Henry bought a few shirts, and necessaries--buying whatever was proffered from a small men's shop that happened to be open. He couldn't care less. Hoping to revivify Gracie, he sought the so- lace of a bar. In his eagerness to renew her company, Henry uncautiously began downing an increasing number of potent drinks. The pleasant tingle gave way to lassi- tude; and that to boneless limpness. To put it bluntly, he got completely snokkered! A kindly cab driver and a sneering bellboy navigated Henry to his quarters and into bed.

On his third morning in New York, Henry was suffering! The demon hangover persisted in dredging up scenes of slaughter! Reminding him of keen, biting, scathing re- marks he could anticipate from Ellen... an outraged, offended Ellen! He suffered an imagined dressing-down