Although her attitude didn't particularly dismay me, I was a little concerned about what to do for the next two days; after that, I would shake the dust of this town from my feet forever. A certain spell of magic still hung over me, however, wrought by the sudden knowledge that I had enjoyed myself immensely that evening. In fact, I couldn't remember when I'd ever felt such a feeling of more than relaxation - more than excitement - apotheosis of a sort.

I could see in the mirror the creature brought to life by the skilled hands of the beautician and nurtured by the solicitous hands of Beth. Beth-what was her interest? It puzzled me, but not greatly; I was still in the grip of this rare excitement and I had a more immediate problem. I decided then to pack everything so I wouldn't waste any time in the morning.

It was quite late when I finished. Surprisingly, there hadn't been a great deal. The straitened circumstance of the past several months had forced me to sell many of my possessions: books, typewriter, etc. Eventually, I went to sleep, the silken strangeness of a nightgown lulling me to a strange sleep.

Continued in TVia No. 71

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Frances 20-B-2 FPE

20