we four to care for, a formidable task in those trying times, when just getting enough to eat was a problem with many that we knew. My old- est sister had finished school and worked in a cafe. The other girls were still in high school and after the funeral expenses little was left of the insurance money. My mother found employment in a laundry and struggled to keep the family together, at least to see us all through high school. So, it was a welcome opportunity when my Aunt Effie offered to take me under her care and let me live with them, working with the "show" during the summer season.

The "Follies" Girls were recruited from among the unfortunate who had gotten into some minor trouble in their home towns and welcom- ed a chance to get away from all who knew them, joining the Carnival for the freedom and adventure it offered. They were a fun loving lot as a rule, though hard and a bit bawdy under the standards of those days. I went through a deal of teasing and good natured fun which I rather enjoyed. They were always threatening to dress me up in one of their scanty costumes and make a girl of me, and I pretended to shudder at the thought. And then one morning they did just that! When Connie came into the dressing tent I was wearing a can-can costume, my rather long hair curled with an iron and fluffed on the top of my head, my face made up completely. The change was really startling when I faced myself in the mirror, and I must have worn an expression of rapture when Connie walked in. She did not recognize me at all!! The girls made no move to tell her either, enjoying the joke immensely, giving me time to regain my composure somewhat. I began to enjoy the fun and sat down on a bench, crossed my mesh clad legs provocatively and reached for a cigarette with what nonchalance I could muster. The cigarette was my undoing! I had never learned to smoke, and went into a fit of coughing, attracting Connie's attention. "Jess," she screamed, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING LIKE THIS?" The situa- tion was funny, and she burst out laughing as did the others. It was contagious and I joined hysterically. Just then Aunt Effie and Uncle Jim walked in, attracted by the hilarity.

At first they were flabbergasted, they just could not believe their eyes! They kidded me unmercifully at first, and then their joking re- marks turned to compliments. I had to turn and prance and pose, ac- tions which came naturally to me from watching the girls on the inside stage. I did a part of the Can-Can dance that was the main number in the "show" to the delight of all, and I admit to a great deal of exciting pleasure of my own.

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