very attractive to me. I felt pleased by this and felt immediately sad that I might not see her again. At the same time I felt that I should not be dressed this way and looking so feminine, being a boy. Even while I was contemplating this conundrum Aunt Jane once again took my hand and began to lead me almost forcibly from the room.

'Where...where are we going,' I cried out.

'I simply must show you to Mrs. Kinross,' Aunt Jane said as we proceeded headlong down the corridor and onto the staircase.

'Oh no, 'I pleaded, trying to hold back, but she was much too forcefull and besides I was nearly tripping in the high heels and long skirt and I had no choice but to follow on behind, red with embarrassment.

'Mrs. Kinross, Mrs. Kinross come and see my neice, Stephanie,' Aunt Jane was calling by the time we reached the bottom of the stairs and in a moment Mrs. Kinross was in the living room and I displayed before her, head hung and shamefaced.

Why it's young Steven,' Mrs. Kinross cried delightedly,' and and how pretty he looks.

Stephanie, did you say, Miss Elcart, how very suitable. Is it two young ladies for dinner then?

'Oh yes,' Aunt Jane agreed,' what a wonderful idea Mrs. Kinross. Stephanie shall dine with me tonight.' She turned to me. Stephanie, dear?'

Won't you

I was too embarassed to answer. I could almost not believe that this was happening.

'Of course she will, Mrs. Kinross. She's a little shy just yet but we'll be ready when you call us.'

Mrs. Kinross left the room and Aunt Jane sat me down on the sofa and went to the other side of the room where she picked up another cheval mirror and brought it over and set it down in front of me.

"

Now then Stephanie, dear, tell me what you see in the mirror?'

Almost in tears I looked at Aunt Jane and then into the mirror.

C

'I... I..see a girl,' I stuttered my answer.

'And who is she Stephanie dearest, who is she?'

'She..she...is me.'

'Give the girl a name, dear.'

Steve,' I answered, doggedly determined not to say a girl's equivalent.

་

Now then, Steven's not a girls name is it. Come on now, what's the girl's name?'

I paused for a moment but I knew that I was defeated. Stephanie', I said very softly.

6

•

And who is Stephanie,' my Aunt persisted? 'Me,' I replied still very softly.

Good girl,' Aunt Jane said, but a small tear rolled down my cheek and I felt anything but good. 'Now stand up dear.'

I stood.

'Tell me this now. You liked the high heels yesterday. Do you like them today, specially with the stockings underneath them?'

Hesitatingly, I nodded.

'Now swirl about a little and tell me does not the soft silk of the petticoats feel pleasant against your pretty legs and ankles?'

I swirled. It did feel pleasant. 'Yes,' I nodded.

'And is the girl in the mirror pretty, Stephanie? Does she not have lovely dark flashing eyes, and rosy cheeks and full red lips.?'

'Yes,' I admitted and another small tear rolled down the other cheek.

'There then, Aunt Jane gently admonished, 'Why the little tears then?'

'Because...because I'm a boy,' I cried.

- 36-