Transvesti calmly said, "Funny you should ask-- I was about to ask you the same thing."

Once more, Miss Quinn went away with the feeling she'd been had.

She thought she'd finally managed to back him into a corner when the Christmas holidays came. There was to be a party and dance with the student nurses acting as hostesses to the students of a technical college in a neighboring town. Miss Quinn made a point to remind Mr. Boyle that formal attire was de rigeur for this event.

"Oh." he said. "That' S too bad. I'm afraid I

won't be able to attend."

"It's customary." said Miss Quinn, eyeing him.

"I see.

he said.

Unfortunately, I have no formal attire."

"Perhaps I can be of some assistance. she purred.

"H'mmin. You're very kind." He hesitated briefly. Thank you

"'--I--I think it will not be necessary. anyway."

Miss Quinn, her red hair set off by the stiff, green taffeta gown she wore, was quietly surveying the start of the party. She was ex-officio one of the chaperones and she stood next to her male counter- part from the technical school as a sort of receiving line. It was their job as well to ensure that every- one paired off, that no-one was left partnerless. Miss Quinn was, of course, watching for a certain party, unsure briefly whether or not her prodding might have spurred Mister Boyle to some new insanity.

Mr. Boyle made his entrance in due course, selecting with unerring timing an appropriate moment for a grand entrance.

21