RANSVESTIA

When Eddie walked over to the table, without thinking Merrick held out a chair for him and he sat, running his hands beneath the silk, as demurely as he could.

"Well, what do you think?" Ward asked Darro, enthusiasm in his

voice.

Darro looked at his long, shiny nails. "I don't know," he said. "It's asking too much, I think, in such a short time."

Merrick frowned. "You don't think McIntyre can carry off a pose as a female impersonator," he said.

"He looks great to me," Ward roared hoarsely. "I bet he could pass anywhere."

Merrick watched Darro carefully. "You're the expert," he said to him directly. "Give us your expert opinion."

Darro shook his head. "You gave me too little time," he said. “She doesn't really have a femme voice. Singing is out of the question. As a dancer, you need talent and experience." He looked sadly at Eddie. "She'll never make it as a dancer, I'm afraid."

"You mean," said Merrick, "that Eddie here won't be able to get a job as a female impersonator no matter how much money we put into his clothing, or the time you spend on working up an act.”

Darro agreed. "That's about it."'

Merrick looked regretfully at Eddie. "Well, I'm sorry, Eddie, after all you've gone through. You really did try hard, I can see. You can, of course, keep the bonus." He rose, about to leave.

"There's always another way," Ward's voice was harsh. Eddie began to feel afraid as he glimpsed the stone-like mask of a face. Darro's hands fluttered and he glanced nervously at Eddie.

Merrick sat down. "Oh, what is it?" he said. Darro and Ward ex- changed glances. "Come on, Ross," he said, "we've gone this far. What else can we consider?"

Ward motioned to Darro. "Well," said Darro. "You don't need

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