having someone to talk with. Michele was now an expert conversationalist on those things which interest all women, whether it be clothes, makeup, children, cooking, coiffure, charm and the like. Innumerable hours had been spent in these pursuits since Robert was away working most of the time.

It was with some degree of relief that Michele found that Robert had eased her entry back into military life, having discussed his changed con- dition with the medical officer at the repatriation depot. She was led directly to his office without having to be interviewed by the enlisted per- sonnel in the large, open outer office.

Even in memory, she could see the amazed look on the officer's face as he asked her to be seated in the chair near his desk. She could still see his eyes as they travelled from the light brown hair which rested on her shoulders, regarded her smooth complexion and well formed lips, then continued on past her well defined breasts to the shapely legs which were demurely crossed, to the very tips of the toes of her shoes. His knowledge that this was in truth a man, did not seem to detract from the obvious pleasure he seemed to be enjoying.

"Well, Michele, or if you prefer, Michael," he finally began, “We have a problem here that I never thought I would have to unravel while I was in the service. We certainly can't send you back to the States in your present condition in a serviceman's uniform, can we? You can imagine the reaction of the other GI's who would be going back with you. Still orders are to return you to the States as quickly as possible, but so help me, I don't know how!"

Now for the first time Michele was truly aware of the changes that had occurred. It had sufficed for her during the past two dangerous years that she had not been captured and all her efforts and those of her friends had been towards that end. Now for the first time she had to face the fact that her change in appearance was not of such a nature that it could be erased by the wave of a magic wand.

The doctor continued, "You know, Michele, it will take a very long time to get you back to your previous appearance and condition, if in fact it is possible, and we obviously cannot begin that type of treatment here."

For what seemed like an eternity there was a dead silence in the room.

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