we would greet mother when she came to pick me up with me behaving entirely as Stepha- nie and that Aunt Jane would introduce me as her houseguest and that I was simply to let things to develop for awhile and see what came of it. I was very thrilled at the idea of allowing my mother to meet me as a girl, so I agreed. We laid our trap accordingly, with Mrs Kinross informed of our plans. When mother finally did arrive at the house (my father had gone on as we knew he would) Mrs Kinross ushered her into the living room where I was sipping tea, dressed in a beautiful pale silk dress, with matching satin high heels, my hair newly done and my face freshly made up. Also in place were earrings, neckless, bracelets and rings and un- derneath it all my heart was throbbing in my bodice. I set down for the reader the exact conversation as it took place.

AUNT JANE: (Rushing foreward to hug and kiss my mother). Sally, darling, how wonderful to see you. And how well you look. Did you have a wonderful time? Oh, you simply must tell us all about it. (They continued hugging and kissing for a moment until Aunt Jane finally broke loose). Oh, Sally, how rude of me. This is my house guest, Miss Stephanie Single- ton. My sister, Mrs Sally Pierce.

MOTHER: How do you do, Miss Singleton?

ME: (Smiling my prettiest practiced smile). I'm delighted to meet you, Mrs Pierce. Jane has told me so much about you.

(At this point, Mrs Kinross came in with another cup and poured tea for mother).

JANE: Was it a really wonderful trip, Sally?

MOTHER: Oh yes. Excellent. Very exciting.

ME: I gather that you have been away, Mrs. Pierce?

MOTHER: Yes, Miss Singleton My husband has business there.

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in America.

ME: How fascinating. And did you enjoy America?

MOTHER: Yes, yes we did. At least some of it. I tend to think it is still a very primitive country

and I would not like to live there. But New York is growing very grandiose and cosmopolitan.

JANE: I gather, then, that David has gone on home?

MOTHER: Yes, he wanted to get back and get the house opened up. I really should follow soon if we are to be home before dark.

JANE: (Dismayed) Oh, but you can't be serious about going up today, Sally. I was sure you'd stay over and go up tomorrow. Besides, Steven won't be back until the morning. He's in the north country with some friends of mine.

MOTHER: Oh, dear! Is he really? And I was so looking forward to seeing him. Well, I suppose that I could stay over. David won't miss me, I'm sure. (She said that a little sadly).

JANE: Oh, excellent! Let's tell your driver not to wait. He can take most of your baggage home and tell David. I'll tell Mrs Kinross to pass on your message. (She was about to rise).

ME: (Getting up first). I'd be glad to pass on the message, Jane. Which bag will you be need- ing, Mrs Pierce?

MOTHER: That's very kind of you, Miss Single- ton. The blue embroidered bag, if you please.

(I minced out of the room as prettily as I possibly could. Aunt Jane told me later of the brief conversation which took place between them while I was away).

MOTHER: She's a very lovely girl, Jane. I have- n't met her, have I?

JANE: I don't think so, Sally. Is she familiar?

MOTHER: For some reason she seems to be. She's strikingly pretty, isn't she?

JANE: Oh, yes, and she needlepoints and draws as well as sings like a dream.

(At this point, I re-entered the room)

ME: There. All arranged.

MOTHER: Thanks very much, Miss Singleton. I was just saying to Jane how pretty you are.

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