And so, because I had nothing to lose that wasn't lost already, I accepted the offer. For the next several days, that scene haunted me; I felt too sick to go to work again at the store, and as I sat in my miserable room and thought all the endless maddening thoughts that I had been left with, I began to realize that something of me had died there that night. Something had also been born.

After I managed to quit sobbing like a schoolgirl (!), Miss Scott had poured us each a stiff drink and when I had finally regained my com- posure a bit, she had said, quite simply, "Well, I think we know how things stand. And now that the air has cleared, shall we discuss this a bit more?" I nodded soberly.

"You understand now what it is the job and all? I'd like it all pretty clear so there's no question in anybody's mind. I guess you know, we could trade credentials right now and no one would notice, our height, coloring — everything but weight is about the same. Of course, you'll be a few years older as me, while I'll lose a few years, but otherwise, we could just step into each other's shoes. But that's not the only thing - though I must admit it's the major thing. I actually do need some help - research, of the sort you're trained to give me editing

―

- even some writing — articles, critiques, etc. So, if you're willing, shall we ah

—

exchange?"

"Why not?"

"Thank you

more than you'll ever know. Now then, a few details. How long before you can be ready?" I shrugged. A few days, at the

most.

"Good. The sooner the better. Now, I have to be back on the coast the day after tomorrow. Can you meet me there? I live up the Pacific coast and I'd like to meet you there there's several other things. I'll give you the money to get out there— call it paid moving expenses, if you will, but I think the biggest problem is going to be getting you established. By that I mean wardrobe and all the other little goodies; even though we're the same size or so, I can't offer you mine - I simply don't have any. The only dress I own is seven years old and my mother bought me that for graduation, which was the first and last time I wore it. So, by your leave, I would like to furnish you with a basic wardrobe - but you're going to have to buy it. Buying women's clothes gives me the willies." Somehow that struck me as funny. She joined me in a healthy laugh.