RANSVESTIA

The two were so absorbed in their discussions that they did not hear the back door open and were not aware of Mrs. Moore's presence until she was actually in the room and had spoken a morning greeting. Seeing what appeared to be two women, one of whom did not appear familiar, she made a move to retire, until a closer look she recognized that the second "woman" was actually Mrs. Wright's son. Alan and his mother were literally frozen with a surprise almost akin to shock. At the same time a myriad of thoughts raced through Alan's mind, all associated with exposure and disgrace before not only his desired friend Richard, but all his class- mates.

Recognizing his embarrassment, Mrs. Moore quickly moved to Alan's side, and grasping his almost nerveless hands, said, "You look absolutely lovely, I would never have believed it to be possible that you could look so attractive dressed as a girl."

Alan's chagrin was so deep and so complete that he could take no reassurance from her words, even if he had heard them, which was questionable under the circumstances. However, her next remark shocked him out of his state of despondency, and he uttered a half- broken cry when he heard her say that she must phone her son Richard and have him come over immediately. At that point Mrs. Wright, recognizing the feeling of shame that had overcome Alan, felt that Mrs. Moore was being unnecessarily heartless and that it was time to bring matters to a halt, and to let Mrs. Moore know of her dis- pleasure.

She spoke rather sharply to her neighbor, "What Alan and I do in our house is only our business, and whether you disapprove of my permitting Alan to dress in women's clothes has nothing to do with you or anyone else. Furthermore you are in my house without being invited and I suggest you leave now. But before you do, I want to say that your suggestion of asking your son over to ridicule Alan under the circumstances, I find most incomprehensible and unforgivable."

Mrs. Moore stood through this tirade with a shocked look on her face. The smile had been replaced by an expression of great discom- fort. As soon as Mrs. Wright had finished talking, she replied with deep emotion, "Mrs. Wright, and you too, Alan, please forgive a stupid woman for unwittingly causing you both such distress. How- ever, I am sure I can quickly satisfy you with an explanation that will

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