loosely over the billowing skirt and was tied in front with a sash. Gloves were put on. The letter was put in her large black purse which also contained a key to the apartment. Shirley thought she was ready. A final glance in the mirror - if only she wasn't so tall!

Shirley then walked down the stairs and stood by the glass front door in darkness. No one could be seen on the street. The door was opened slowly and Shirley stepped hesitantly out onto the vestibule. A pedestrian was seen coming up the street. Shirley retreated back into the hall out of sight. She climbed the stairs in defeat, and went into the front room. There in the darkness she stared down into the street below. An occasional pedestrian walked by every few minutes. It was too early. Time passed with agonizing slowness while Shirley studied the street. Finally all traffic was gone. To the sweet rustle of her skirts Shirley went down the stairs again. She looked through the glass door. No one was in sight. Again the door was cautiously opened, and the latch checked to see that it was unlocked. Shirley took a few steps into the vestibule. She looked one. She listened carefully for the possible sound of an approaching street car. There was no sound. With breathless excitement Shirley stepped out onto the sidewalk.

The click of her heels on the cement, the San Francisco late evening breeze that swirled around her nylons and skirts, the open freedom, this was a joy of a new world. She headed toward the corner where the large apartment blocked her vision. She was aware of entering the light cast from the street light. Each step was crazy wonderful freedom! The apartments and flats were dark. No signs of life appeared for the moment. She was at the corner. A glance told her the way was clear to the mail box. Down the steep hill she went. She was careful to walk with short steps. The heart pounding had eased and in its place was a radiant feeling of well being. All too soon the corner was reached. A careful look in both directions indicated no one was about. Shirley crossed the street to the mail box. She removed the letter from ther purse and deposited the letter in the mail slot. For one moment she paused, longing to go further. The street seemed to beckon, but with great reluctance Shirley headed back up the hill on the opposite side of the street from where she had come. Near the end of the street she saw the unexpected. A woman was crossing the street. It was later than