"Know?"

Cynthia is a man! He owns the shop -

"Why yes we were lucky, we caught him just as he was going out on a date, as a matter of fact. But he didn't mind, not at all. Besides we're old friends . . ."

This particular bit of information was almost too much; but it helped explain a few things about my friend Beth. Why for example she was so willing or eager? to help me. But of course, that raised several more interesting points.

My reverie was broken off by Beth. "Now what do you want to do?"

"Do?" I asked.

"Yes it's early, and well, if I were you - why break it off now? You look simply gorgeous and you might as well spend some time getting used to it."

"Despite my protests, rooted in the fact that my career in skirts was only a few hours old, she prevailed. For the next several hours, we walked and sat and looked — and were looked at. I was probably so used to people staring at me anyway that I didn't notice until Beth stopped me and said, "One thing — you march around with a set expression on your face and don't notice anything. People are looking at you — and with good reason. I suggest you notice them and respond."

It was easier said than done; the looks I was receiving were very pointed. In response to one very intent look from a young man who first stared then half-smiled, I could only avert my own gaze. A feeling of heat in my face told me I was blushing. Beth laid hand on my arm. "Perfect - simply perfect. You blush most becomingly and you have a perfect dimple . . .” And that certainly didn't help.

Eventually my feet had given out and we walked slowly back to my apartment. I told Beth goodnight and went in. At the head of the stairs. - my landlady was waiting for me, a look of disgust and distaste graven on her granite like features.

"I never thought I would see the day and you seemed such a nice person! Well, let me tell you—I won't have this kind of goings on in my house. You move out tomorrow. Do you hear me? If you're not gone by noon I call the police!" She gathered her chenille bathrobe around her dumpy little figure and swept past me to the stairs. Lifting her head regally, she bestowed on me her final blessing: "Pervert!"