RANSVESTIA

Ruth could not help but wonder if Alma had really explained in advance just how things were to be, for it was clear that she had failed to enlist Aunt Mae's acceptance. Under the circumstances, and not wanting to participate further in what appeared to be a rather strained situation, made her apologies and said that they must run along without delay if they were to reach Detroit as they had promised that night. Alan and his mother said a quick but affec- tionate goodbye to their now subdued friends promising to see them again in a little over two weeks. Both Alan and hs mother drove along thinking about their two close friends, being apprehensive for Richard as to how he would make out in an apprently unfriendly atmosphere before they could pick him up on their scheduled return. Of importance was that he had nothing with him but his girl's clothes, and would be obliged to continue in the role of Betty regardless of how his aunt might feel. Their only hope was that they would be able to win her over during the period of their stay into accepting Richard as Betty. As a result of this experience Alan and his mother now could not help but worry over the forthcoming visit with his aunt and uncle, in spite of their written acceptance of Jenny. They tried to bolster each other's confidence, but a small cloud had come over their previously happy state of mind.

After leaving Toledo, Alan and his mother rode along in silence each occupied with their own thoughts, which were similar in nature. As a result, Mrs. Wright was not surprised when Alan finally spoke suggesting rather tentatively the possibility of their delaying their arrival at Aunt Jennifer's until early the next morning. He followed with the observation that he had been quite upset by the cool and disapproving reception he had received from Richard's aunt, and felt the need of one more night of being in public to restore his confidence. Also, he would like the opportunity of dressing more carefully than he was at present, so that on arrival at this aunt's he could make a more convincing impression. His mother readily agreed, and at the first opportunity she phoned her sister as to their change of plans. She plead that they were behind schedule due to heavy traffic, and under the best of circumstances could not arrive until late that night, and would prefer arriving early the next morning refreshed by a night's sleep. This explanation was accepted without question to their mutual relief. Early that afternoon they stopped off at a motel near Detroit that would require but an hour's drive the following day to reach their destination.

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