RANSVESTIA

tain that most of them will fit well enough. It is just that I want the op- portunity to try some things on in your store in a private and relaxed situation."

"Yes, I can understand your desire for privacy but before you spend all that money I think I should warn you that there are great differences in the way these clothes are made and I think you will be disappointed in the fit. I just don't believe that you will find them com- fortable unless they are tailored for you."

She was becoming argumentative so I escalated to phase two. From my shirt pocket I produced a polaroid snapshot of Sharon Anne and handed it to her. It was a full-length pose of Sharon Anne in a wool shirtwaister I had purchased in the same shop several months before. Giving her a moment to absorb the picture I amplified it with the com- ment: "I purchased that dress here and it fits perfectly. I never had to alter it."

A look of concern crossed her face. "You purchased it here!"

"Yes, several months ago."

"Did you come into the store like ..." Her voice trailed off.

"Oh, no, no. I was dressed as I am now. I told your sales girl it was a gift for my wife."

She smiled ironically. "Well, I was wondering. From this picture we may not have recognized you."

It was a delicious compliment.

Our negotiations continued for the better part of forty-five minutes. Miss Bell had other questions and some misgivings but even- tually we worked everything out. She seemed to have formed the cor- rect impression that I was, after all, a reliable member of the communi- ty and a potentially good customer. Our conversation confirmed this impression and we turned to working out the details of my visit. I offered to make it early some morning but Miss Bell said they would prefer that I come late Friday evening when the store was open until nine o'clock. It was agreed that I would arrive dressed as my femmeself a few minutes before closing time. A date was selected and I left feel- ing ecstatic. The first and most difficult part of my plan was ac- complished.