was peace without fear and my body relaxed. I guess I slept. Outside the door there were two voices the quiet, fatherly one and my father's. There seemed to be anxiety in my father's, but the calm voice reassured him. At last the door opened and my father said, "Come, son, let's go home."

The tempo had quickened. It was time to start the bumps. Thump, thump, thump, went the hand on the base drum. Slowly around the stage I ground with lots of hip movement. Again there was the thunder of a waterfall as the people applauded. Dum, dum, dum, the sound penetrating every cell in my brain. My body, young and shapely beat time to the faster sounds.

My hands reached behind my back for another unhook. Up, up and still higher up my back they inched. At last, the index finger of one hand touched the green satin. Careful not to get the net underneath . . . there! My back to the audience. The music was faster now. Up and down pumped my legs to give that special effect that she had taught me. There, that is it. My hands came around front, pulling the green satin with them. One arm out, and the other up. Up and down went my legs, faster and faster went the music. It was like running in a track event. . . .

Could I do it? My legs were pumping like pistons. There was nobody in front of me. I had run faster and still faster. There was the ribbon. Could I break it? My legs pumped even harder. There it was I broke it. It was good to learn that I had established a new Ivy League record for the 100 yard dash. . . .

The music was building up for the finale. I faced the public and did some more bumps and grinds. They were happy. All I had on now was the net bra and some pink bikinis under the green satin g-string. The public seemed to like my routine. There were the trumpets and cymbals for the final position at the end of the dance. I put both arms over my head and screamed like she did. The lights went out and I dashed off the stage. Sweat poured from my entire body. Off stage I almost bumped into her. She put her arms around me and kissed me. I was so happy. People were all around us. There were photographers and newspaper reporters. Everybody was happy, but I think I was the hap- piest. There would be a road show of about a month. There might be contracts for more work after I graduated in June. Too bad mother could not see me now, and it was just as good that father had died last year. The flash bulbs popped and one of the reporters asked her, "How long did you work with this lad for the lead in this Mask and Wig production of your life, Miss Lee?"

84