When morning came he was given a razor and told to shave as closely as possible and Yvette remarked on what a light beard he had. She helped him put on the turban and added an imitation pearl necklace to his costume saying she felt it completed his outfit.
While waiting for Robert to return from his contact with Victor, he told Yvette of his life in Detroit where he had been born. Both parents had died when he was quite young and his older brother had raised him. He had never held a job having been a student until he en- listed in the service after graduating from high school in a course in business skills. His brother's death while he was serving in the armed forces caused him to enlist.
He had not made many friends since. While his brother worked, some- one had to take care of the house. She did not seem surprised when he not only said that he had done the cooking for the two of them, but also the mending, cleaning, shopping and other things that normally the woman of the household did.
Yvette arose after they had been talking for some time and said, “You know, you would have made a lovely girl except for the fates that determined otherwise."
Shortly thereafter Robert returned and his tidings brought about the most important change that Mike was ever to have to face.
"I hope you enjoy your dressing as a mademoiselle since you must continue this masquerade until Victor can move you on. Here is a wig which he obtained from an actress he knows very well. He feels that you will be less noticed being with Yvette during the day since all men must be working or in the army. It will only be for a few weeks until we can get you to Spain. It is also very difficult to get a new identity card for you now," he concluded.
Then he turned to Yvette and informed her, "You are ordered to instruct Michele on how to make this masquerade as real as possible since there is danger to all. Begin teaching her a few French words so that she can speak if necessary without being detected. Michele is to be treated at all times as a woman so that we will not give ourselves away and that begins right now! Comprendez?"
Then began the most exciting and exhilarating time of Mike's life. He was never again called Mike by his hosts but only Michele and both extended him all the courtesies even when alone with him that they would have given to any other woman. Nightclothes became more
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