RANSVESTIA

Peggy put the key in the lock of her apartment. She was really tired now, exhausted in fact. "No," she said, checking her makeup in the small mirror above the coat rack. "Actually, remarkably few were. I doubt there were more than twenty of us there tonight. But the Royale likes us to go there. It pulls in the tourists and sightseers. She hung the sable up with habitual care. "They get a few kicks, I guess, from trying to figure out which are the men in the women's dresses."

Erica's eyes were fascinated. "But I couldn't tell any others at all," she said. "I knew you were, but..."

Peggy was laughing again. "Remember the platinum blonde whom you sat next to most of the night? He's a truck driver, named Herbie. Besides, if you'd asked the waiter, he'd have pointed us all out for a price. The club pays me off for each night I spend there, but I have to buy my own drinks."

Erica was shocked. "That sounds terrible," she said.

Peggy was fiddling with her hair. Finally the wig came off, and Dave Roth, in makeup and violet dress, stood back in the room. Erica was revolted at the sight. "Oh, please," she said. "Put your wig back on."

Dave's eyebrows shot up. "Oh,' he said. "You want me to be a woman all the time, eh?" Erica nodded rapidly. "I'll have to change then," said Dave. "This wig's too hot and these heels are killers." He flounced up the steps to the back bedroom. "Help yourself to a drink," he smiled over his shoulder, his mannish hair ruining the rest of his feminine appearance.

The person who returned was more identifiable as Peggy Walker. He had attached just a small bun to the back of his naturally blonde hair. He also wore a long white robe, decorated with a dragon in blue and silver. This was slitted on both sides to reveal his long, well- shaped legs. He must also have kept on his bra, for his bust was quite prominent. He curled up on the loveseat opposite Erica, his bare feet under him. For the first time, Erica noticed that his toenails were painted the same color as his fingernails.

"Did you call a cab yet?" he asked.