I was less than a block from Millie's when I realized that I couldn't very well breeze in the front door looking this way! Gosh, no! What- ever would the other girls who might be there think! Congratulating myself on my quick-thinking and consideration I headed for the alley which passed Millie's back door. A quick knock, a casual explanation to Millie who'd understand and everything'd be OK. No problem. I felt almost comfortable again!

Under the circumstances I think it was quite natural that I was somewhat preoccupied with thoughts of my new dress any girl would be! I therefore may not have been paying strict attention as I turned into the alley and this perfectly huge man bumped right into me!

The utter nerve! Why on earth couldn't he look where he was going! I decided to make nothing of it, however; my dress came first! I was diplomatic.

“Oh, I am sorry, sir" I said sweetly as he picked himself up. I tried to act concerned, you know-as if it had been my fault.

He just looked at me. "What the devil . . . " he started to say and then just stared at me. He seemed to be fascinated by my earrings--they are kind of nice. But I just clutched my bag tightly to my breast and said evenly "Well, if you're all right . . . " (and I stressed All Right to indi- cate a quite proper mild sarcasm). Then I started down the alley to Millie's.

I'd been aware of two policemen across the street viewing the un- fortunate incident but I simply didn't have time to go over and demand they arrest the clumsy lug who'd collided with me. I went on down the alley. Then I heard one of them say "Whaddya think, Charlie?"

He was terribly loud, you know, and I couldn't help but hear it-or the answer. Charlie said "I dunno." It sounded pretty dull, really, and I was going to forget it.

Then the first policeman said "You don't know! It's a goddam froot-that's what it is. Let's go! HEY, YOU!" he called out, “HOLD UP THERE!" I heard them start to hurry across the road and down the alley.

Well, this would never do, although, ordinarily, of course, I'd have taken time to stop, make a few simple explanations and put them in their places. But not now. I simply didn't have time! Besides, I had a