The Feminisation of Davy

The Feminisation of Davy:

Yet Another Story of Lingerie and

Corsets

Early the next afternoon Aunt arrived, laden with bags and boxes. At her direction, I carried part of them to the room she was to occupy and the rest to my own. By then I thoroughly regretted my bargain with her but I was determined to stick with it so that they would have no opportunity to laugh at me.

As soon as Aunt was settled she came to my room and said, "Well Davy, shall we get started?" My heart sank but I took the dainty silk and lace chemise she handed me from one of the bags, and going into the bathroom, I undressed and put it on. Returning to my room I found Aunt had unpacked most of the bags. My bed was piled high with lingerie, hosiery, corsets, and other feminine apparel, while in my closet hung a long row of gowns. Aunt, turning from the closet, saw me and smiling said, "Davy you look better already. Now lets finish dressing you."

In a short time I was attired in all of the underthings: corset, hose, bloomers, corset cover, and petticoat and struggling for breath against the tight lacing. Aunt then took one of the dresses from the closet. It was of plain black silk, with a narrow skirt draped to a suggestion of a bustle in back. It had a high choker collar with fine white lace about it, long narrow sleeves with lace cuffs, and fitted very snugly about the waist and bosom.

With her help I struggled into it and was initiated into its mysteries of hooks and eyes and snaps. It was by far the most complicated dress I had worn. The dress was followed by shoes, wig, powder and rouge, and lastly a fine emerald rig and cameo brooch.

Thus dressed, Aunt made me look at myself, and again I was surprised at my feminine appearance. I had to admit to myself that I did not think the severe black dress was as becoming as those I had worn on previous occasions.

We went downstairs and I was paraded before Mother and Sue. They were lavish in their praise. Mother, to my satisfaction, did say that she thought that the dress was a trifle too severe for my age.

As before it took some time for me to become accustomed to my clothes, but the afternoon fairly flew by, and before I knew it was time for bed. Both Mother and Aunt came to my room and amid much laughter on their part, and embarrassment on mine, helped me undress. When I was clad only in my chemise, Aunt took from the closet a blue wool wrapper and a pair of high-heeled mules. Helping me into them she handed me a much ruffled flowered muslin nightgown and told me to change into it. I protested that nightgowns weren't part of the bargain but got nowhere. So for the rest of the week I slept in the dainty gown.

The next morning Aunt woke me and helped me to dress. or rather showed me how. She felt that I should be able to do it for myself. Lacing my corset was physically difficult but the rest, except for my hair, was easy.

Arranging my hair was a long and trying job but Aunt patiently advised me. Finally I was ready for breakfast dressed in a plain blue and white cotton morning frock. When we got downstairs Mother complemented me but chided us for being such slow pokes. She laughed heartily when I explained that our delay was caused because Aunt had insisted that I dress myself.

That afternoon Mother and Aunt left on a shopping expedition. They begged me to accompany them but I steadfastly refused. After their departure I read for a time, then becoming bored, I wandered about the house, finally ending up in my own room. There I turned to the closet and for the first time really examined the dresses hanging there. There were more than I could possibly wear in a week. Though the thought of them was embarrassing, there was a tiny tingle of excitement down my spine.

Realizing that the morning dress I had on would not be appropriate for dinner, I selected a rather plain dark green satin frock and changed into it. I also changed to more formal shoes and rearranged my hair as best I could. Then putting on the emerald ring, I surveyed myself with satisfaction and went downstairs for the balance of the afternoon.

Mother and Aunt, laden with bags and bundles, arrived just in time for dinner. Both approved my choice of gowns and hairdo, so I felt justly proud at having earned this by myself.

The next morning I was dressed in my cotton house frock and downstairs before the others got up. When they did appear I was given the usual scrutiny and approved except for my hair. This they said wasn't perfectly arranged but nonetheless good for a beginner.

After breakfast Aunt told me that she had purchased cloth for a suit the previous day and asked if I would care to help her make it. I agreed for time hung heavily on my hands.

Going up to the sewing room with her she unwrapped the bundle and spreading the cloth out for my inspection said, "There. Don't you think that will make a pretty suit?" It was a rather heavy reddish-orange velvet. Indeed I agreed with her that it would make a very handsome garment.

Then she got out the patter and started to work. I helped as best I could and for the next few days alternated between seamstress and dress dummy. In the process I acquired a considerable dexterity with needle and thread and surprisingly enjoyed it more and more as we progressed.

That day we worked until the middle of the afternoon, when I changed into a beige wool dress cut on very plain lines with a high neck and long sleeves. It was trimmed with embroidery of a contrasting color. After dinner we went for a walk. Over my dress I wore a long plain black coat, black hat, purse, and gloves. Although I was nervous, the walk was uneventful and I arrived home well pleased with myself.

By that time I had become quite accustomed to my clothes and felt at ease while wearing them. Only occasionally did the corset bother me and at times I actually found myself enjoying the feel of my skirts and the daintiness and smart appearance of my apparel

The third morning found me attired in a floral print housegown. Soon after breakfast Aunt and I were once again engrossed in our dressmaking. Later in the afternoon I changed into the dark blue skirt and frilly blouse that I had worn the first time Aunt dressed me as a woman. Our work was well started. The skirt was finished and the jacket beginning to take shape. Aunt was and extremely careful and competent seamstress so that the cut and workmanship were excellent

All that day Mother and Aunt had alternately teased and dared me to go to the theater with them that night. Finally I took the dare and for the first time I really appeared in public as a woman.

Dinner over we got on our hats and coats and walked to the car line. As the brightly lighted car stopped for us, I became so panic stricken that they had to practically carry me into the car. After we were seated I darted glances at the other passengers in the car. To my relief none seemed to be paying any attention to me.

It was the same throughout the evening. I was frightened as could be but my fears were in vain for nothing happened. I was never so relieved as when we arrived safely home.

When my nerves quieted down I began to feel elated about my experience and for the first time I realized that I was beginning to enjoy my novel position. I knew I looked well in feminine attire and the softness, daintiness, and variety of the clothes appealed to me more and more.

The next day was much like the preceding ones. I spent the day in a cotton house frock helping with the sewing. That afternoon I changed into the blue silk gown I had worn the second time I appeared in dresses.

By noon of the next day the suit was complete except for such finishing touches as buttons which Aunt had not yet purchased. That afternoon she got ready to go downtown to do this necessary shopping. Mother had other plans so Aunt asked me to go with her. Though my trip to the theater had immensely helped my confidence, I did not relish the prospect of a trip in broad daylight. After much urging however I consented and we started out.

I wore a rather plain light brown suit, its long open jacket had flaring skirts trimmed with gold braid. The skirt was perfectly plain and worn with a ruffled white silk blouse with a high neck. I also had on a brown hat with a heavy veil, brown purse and gloves, and a gold bracelet.

I was very nervous at first but by the time we were downtown and in the stores I began to relax. The saleswomen were most polite and seemed to find nothing unusual about me. One delighted me, and amused Aunt, by saying, "My Miss, but you wear your clothes nicely."

Aunt shopped with a vengeance. After getting the notions to finish the suit, she bought a lovely sheer silk blouse with a froth of lace ruffles down the front. This was followed by a dainty silk and lace chemise, bloomers, petticoat, hose, a very nice corset, a salmon colored velvet hat with matching purse and gloves, and finally a pair of reddish brown high-heeled shoes. I stayed with her the whole time. Frequently I was embarrassed when the clerks showed me, as well as Aunt, the dainty apparel. I very much enjoyed the afternoon and frequently made comments on the things she was considering.

The scope of her purchases amazed me for she already had plenty of clothes. When I inquired about it she merely said that she wanted an entirely new outfit to go with the suit.

I was tired and excited when we got home and elated at the good job I had done with my masquerading. All the nice things I had seen had opened my eyes to the possibilities a woman has in selecting clothes. This added to my already awakened interest in things feminine.

The next day the suit was done. It was lovely. The excellence of the material and workmanship combined to make a very smart garment. At lunch Mother and Aunt decided that as it was Saturday they would make an occasion out of our dinner that evening.

About five they sent me upstairs to bathe. When I came back to my room, in my blue wrapper, Aunt was laying clothes out on my bed. First she gave me a chemise which was most unusual for it had no shoulder straps. Putting it on, I found it had elastic about the top of the bodice to hold it up. Then came the corset. It was very dainty and much more wasp waisted than the ones I had been wearing. Aunt really had a struggle to get it laced tight enough but what a wonderful figure it did give me.

The corset was followed by hose, bloomers, and a petticoat that like the chemise had no shoulder straps. Aunt then helped me into the evening gown. It was of a heavy cream colored satin trimmed with bands of black lace about the skirt and bodice. It had no shoulder straps so the mystery of the chemise and petticoat were solved. The band of lace that formed the top of the bodice went around the arm as well forming and off the shoulder sleeve', rather like the gowns popular before the Civil War.

Aunt then produced a pair of black silk pumps which were most strange after the high button shoes I had worn until then. I then sat patiently while she arranged my hair, placing the knot lower on my neck than usual, and putting an artificial white flower on each side just above my ears. Finally she powered my face, neck, arms, and back - put a string of pearls around my neck, and gave me two rings and a bracelet to wear.

"There now!", she said, "You're ready for the party. Now run look at yourself."

I started downstairs to look at myself in the hall mirror when she called me back and made me put on an extremely long pair of white kid gloves. They came above my elbows and opened at the wrist in such a way that I could get my hand out and roll the glove back on my wrist without taking it off my arm. At her direction I put the bracelet over the glove. Lastly took a black lace fan she handed me and then went down while she went in to dress.

Standing before the mirror, I was amazed at my appearance. The full skirt, narrow waist, and bare shoulders combined to make me look like some lovely fragile flower. The low hairdo made my shoulders look softer and narrower while the creamy silk was a most complementary color. The added touches of fan, gloves, and flowers in my hair were most helpful. I was so delighted that I laughed to myself as I turned to view myself from every possible angle.

As I stood there Mother came down and seeing me exclaimed, "Oh Davy! You're lovely!" Kissing me soundly she continued, "Dear you have no idea how pretty you are. You make me very proud, for few mothers have such lovely daughters."

I thanked her for the complement, and then Aunt came down dressed, as was Mother, in an evening gown. We all stood there admiring our images and then with their praises ringing in my ears, we went in to dinner.

Though we had to laugh at ourselves for dressing so formally for a Hen Party, we all had an extremely pleasant evening. At every opportunity I went out into the hall to look at myself. Each time I did so I became more enamored with my appearance. When I finally got ready for bed that evening, I took off my dainty gown with genuine regret.

The next morning I was glad that my week as a woman was nearly over. I had become accustomed to and even fond of my feminine apparel but I looked forward to resuming my own clothes that afternoon.

At the breakfast table Mother and Aunt decided to have luncheon downtown and see a matinee afterwards. I pleaded to be allowed to resume my own clothes before we started. Aunt reminded me that our bargain was for a full week which wouldn't be up until late afternoon. I grouchily agreed and spent the morning in my cotton frock reading and feeling sorry for myself.

About 11:30 Mother announced that it was time to get ready, so we all went upstairs. I asked Aunt what I should wear and she replied that she would decide while I was bathing. I took off my cotton frock and underthings and putting on the blue wrapper, and went in to bath.

When I returned Aunt handed me a pale pink silk chemise trimmed with loads of hand sewn ecru lace. I recognized it as the one she had purchased the afternoon we went shopping together. It was so lovely that I felt an awful desire to wear it but felt nonetheless that I shouldn't wear her newest things. I explained this to her but she poo pood the idea and told me to go ahead and put it on. I didn't wait for a second invitation. Stepping into the dainty thing, I felt a thrill as I drew it over my body.

Next came the corset. It also was new and made of flesh colored satin trimmed with rosettes of blue ribbon. The bloomers matched the chemise and the petticoat was of heavy white silk with lace trimming and ruffles around the bottom where it would show occasionally beneath my skirts.

When I had the lingerie all on, she gave me the dainty ruffled silk blouse we had purchased and followed this with the skirt to the orange velvet suit we had made that week. At this I again protested at wearing her new things. I was hushed and soon had the skirt on and was buttoning up the new reddish brown shoes while she arranged my hair.

When this was done she powdered my face, gave me two rings and a bracelet, and fastened a silver broach into the ruffles at my throat. I then got into the jacket and Aunt placed the matching hat on my heat. Once it was pinned into place she drew the veil over my face. Lastly she gave me the matching purse and gloves.

Thrilled with these lovely new clothes I thanked her and added, "Aunt I love these clothes but I shouldn't be wearing them. What if something should happen to them?"

"But Davy! You don't understand. They're not my things, they're yours."

"Mine?", I gasped.

"Why yes, Davy. Didn't you know that I got them as a present to you?"

"Oh Aunt!" I exclaimed, strangely thrilled, "Thank you ever so much but what will I do with them? I'm through wearing dresses this afternoon."

"Oh don't worry Davy!" she replied with a most enigmatic smile, "I imagine that you will find some use for them."

I followed her downstairs where Mother was waiting. Seeing me she exclaimed at my smart appearance and looked at myself in the hall mirror, I agreed with her. The suit, a lovely color in the latest fashion, was very becoming and I looked to be a smart and attractive young woman. I was justifiably proud and doubly so when I thought that all the lovely things I wore were mine.

As we left the house I was nervous. The silken softness of my underthings, the tickling of lace, and the swish of my skirts reassured me and I soon relaxed. Also, the thought of the smartness of my attire and appearance began to reassert themselves and soon I was bursting with pride.

We lunched at the smartest place in town. As we were leaving I received the crowning touch when I heard one woman whisper to another, "My but that girl in the orange suit is pretty. I wonder who she is?"

Mother and Aunt also heard this and gave me quite a teasing when we were out of earshot. When the matinee was over we had a light supper and then went home.

Before we got there my week as a woman was over. With lots of time left that evening, I felt not the slightest desire to change. My new clothes so delighted me that I felt that I would never like to be without them.

As Aunt was leaving in the morning, we stayed up quite late. Just before we went upstairs she said to me, "Well Davy has the past week been as bad as you thought it would be?"

Of course I couldn't admit the feelings that were growing within me, so I said, "Oh a person can get used to anything Aunt."

Both of them laughed at this and Mother said, "Frances, I think he's beginning to like playing a woman's part and wearing woman's clothing."

"Oh no I don't!" I exclaimed, but gave the lie to myself by blushing at her penetrating remark.

Mother laughed again saying, "He may fool you Frances but I know him too well. He's delighted by the clothes you gave him and I don't blame him a bit for they're lovely and so becoming. I'm very pleased to have such a lovely daughter, for that's what he really is when he's dressed as a girl like now. No one would possibly say that Davy sitting over there in that lovely suit is in any way masculine. In fact I've become convinced the last few days that nature really made a mistake with Davy. One thought that he can easily rectify by dressing for his proper role in life, that of a girl."

Aunt replied in a serious tone, "I agree with you Agnes. Davy must really be a girl at heart for otherwise he couldn't appear so completely like one. I've had so much fun the past week with him. I so hope he won't get stubborn and refuse to wear his new things from time to time."

"Oh I'm sure he will.", said Mother while I maintained an embarrassed silence. Then we all went up to bed. As I undressed, I lingered between each article of clothing. When I went to bed, by choice, I wore one of Aunts gowns.

When I arose the next morning I longed to put on my new finery. Realizing that it would be a dead giveaway I put on my own clothes while regretting that our bargain hadn't been for a month instead of a week.

Indeed my clothes felt strange particularly the trousers. My skin , accustomed to silk, rebelled at their roughness. This sensation passed and I began to feel natural by the time I got to the breakfast table. Neither Mother or Aunt made any comment about my appearance.

For the first few days after Aunt's departure everything went smoothly except that every time I noticed the velvet suit or the drawer full of lingerie, I felt a tingle down my spine. It wasn't that I wished to wear them so much as it was a pride of ownership. Oddly, the fact that they were mine was pleasing out of all proportion.

On several occasions Mother urged me to wear them but I always refused. I was afraid of their ridicule.

One afternoon while Mother and Sue were out I was wandering about the house and noticed the velvet suit. No sooner had I seen it than I had an intense desire to put it on. The thought that I could do so undetected was too much to resist. So before many minutes had past, I was undressed and stepping into the chemise.

In time I was dressed, had arranged the wig which Aunt had given me with the clothes, and was downstairs admiring myself in the mirror. It was then that I realized that my pride of ownership had really been a subconscious desire to wear the clothes. A most satisfied feeling pervaded my very soul.

The rest of the afternoon was delightful. I really didn't do a thing but the mere fact that I was dressed as a woman made me happy beyond measure.

I finally changed back to my own clothes just before Mother came in. In response to her inquiries, I told her that I had spent the afternoon reading. That evening I was miserable. I missed my dresses so much that I could hardly stand it. Several times Mother asked me why I was so restless.

Finally she said, "Davy! What in the world is the matter with you? You've been getting grouchy and more nervous every day lately. You're not at all like you were last week." I replied that it was her imagination.

"No it's not. If you don't cheer up I'll insist that you dress as a woman again, for you never spoke one sharp word the entire time you were wearing Frances's things." My heart leaped as I realized this was a possible excuse to wear my feminine things, but openly I ridiculed her suggestions.

I woke early the next morning and lay in bed trying to work my courage up to the point where I could wear my feminine things. I was still to afraid of ridicule and an expose of my real thoughts. I called myself all sorts of names but it was in vain. The more I tried the more despondent I became. When Mother came in to wake me I was in a terrible mood and quite rude to her.

She became angry and said, "Now look here Davy, I'm not going to stand for your vile humor anymore. You get right up and put on the clothes Frances gave you. Perhaps that will make you behave."

Pleased by her tirade, but trying not to show it, I got up and started to dress without saying a word. My salmon skirt and ruffled blouse were hardly suitable for that time of day but that really made no difference. At least I was getting to dress as I wished.

Finally dressed I went down to breakfast. When Mother saw my face she said, "You don't hate those clothes Davy. If you did they wouldn't cheer you up the way they do."

I didn't reply but happily sat down and ate to the tune of Sue's complements. I wore the clothes all day, putting on the jacket at dinner time. All the while I was so happy that Mother remarked again and again at my improved disposition. She vowed to treat me in the same way every time I got out of sorts.

As a matter of policy, I kept cheerful the next day. This avoided trouble with Mother though I longed for my other clothes.

In the middle of the afternoon Aunt called and asked us for dinner. We accepted and Mother said, "Frances would be delighted if you would wear your new clothes." I was torn between fear and desire. Desire won and later when we left for Aunt's, I wore my salmon suit.

When Aunt saw me she fairly shrieked with pleasure throwing her arms around me and kissing me veil and all. When we were inside and I had removed my hat and gloves she took me by both hands and said, "It's so nice of you to have worn the suit Davy. I'm complemented beyond word." She was so visibly pleased that I was glad indeed that I had followed Mothers suggestion.

Just then Martha appeared and I had to stand and undergo her inspection. I swelled with pride at her complements. Then we sat down to have a pleasant dinner end evenings visit.

After that evening I felt that I could wear my feminine things more freely. Though I didn't put them on voluntarily, I did dress as a woman practically every time Mother or Aunt asked me to. As the violence of my opposition relaxed they requested with increasing frequency. Before long hardly a day went by that I didn't wear my feminine things at some time or other.

One morning as I was helping Mother about the house, wearing my frilly blouse and salmon skirt, she remarked, "Davy, we're going to have to get you some more dresses. That nice suit will be ruined if you wear it for housework." I replied that it wouldn't hurt it and then forgot all about the matter.

Several times in the next few days Mother and Aunt went downtown without asking me to accompany them. The following Saturday when we went to Aunts for dinner, I got a real surprise. When our meal was over they led me into the parlor and up to a tremendous pile of packages. "Open them Davy.", Aunt said.

I was completely mystified but at their bidding I took up a box and opened it. It contained a lovely black wide-brimmed feather trimmed hat. Still puzzled I said, "It's really nice but why should I be opening it?"

At that they both laughed and Aunt said, "Why Davy, you silly goose, those bundles are for you. Agnes and I thought you needed more things. Now go ahead and open all of them."

This was indeed exciting news and I fairly flew at the pile. Before long I had them all open and what a wonderful lot of clothes they revealed. There was a very stylish suit of black silk with a long bell-bottomed wide sleeved jacket and a white blouse trimmed with loads of lace. There was also a formal afternoon dress in grayish beige trimmed with embroidery. To wear outside was a dark brown fur trimmed coat and narrow brimmed hat. For house work as Mother had suggested was two cotton house frocks. There was also two complete changes of lingerie, not as dainty as that I had on but still very nice. With them was two lovely corsets and lots of hose. For my feet was a pair of high black shoes and also a pair of beige pumps to match my new dress as well as two purses with gloves to match. For jewelry I got a string of pearls, gold bracelet, a lovely topaz ring, and a pair of gold earrings. There were also such incidental accessories as veils, hat pins, dainty handkerchiefs, perfume, and powder

The lavishness of these gifts overwhelmed me. There was no longer any use pretending that I didn't like feminine things. I fairly bubbled over thanking Mother and Aunt and they seemed just as pleased as me. I couldn't wait to try on my new things. I took up the black and white suit and excusing myself went upstairs.

There I took off my salmon suit and slipped into the new one. After rearranging my hair I went into the full length mirror in Aunts room. What I saw delighted me for the extremely feminine suit was most becoming. After admiring myself for a few minutes, I went downstairs, paused in the hall to gain poise, then swept into the room in my grandest manner. I stopped in front of Mother and Aunt and gravely revolved as a model would do in a fashion show. They watched my pirouette and when I finished and had given them a deep curtsy, they jumped to their feet with cries of pleasure.

For the next few minutes I was the center of attention. They complemented me on my appearance and themselves on their good taste in picking such a becoming outfit. Then someone remembered the jewelry and in a few moments I had the pearls, bracelet, and ring on. The earrings required I have my ears pierced. I swore I wouldn't allow it but secretly resolved to have it done at the first opportunity.

When it came time to go home I packed up as many of the new things as I could carry. After I hat put on my wide brimmed hat and new coat we left with Mother carrying more of the new things. It took a long time for me to get to bed when we did get home, for I lovingly examined each new article before I put it away.

Rising early the next morning I decided to wear my new things despite any remark Mother might make about my doing so voluntarily. New lingerie was followed by new corset, hose, and petticoat, a blue cotton house frock, and the new black shoes. Just as I finished putting the final pin in my hair, Mother came in to waken me.

Finding me up and dressed as I was, she was delighted. After chatting with her for a few moments about my new clothes, she returned to her room to dress while I went downstairs. Seeing me, Sue was astonished and wished to know where I had gotten the new dress. I told her about the gifts I had received and in answer to her questions, started describing the new dresses.

After a while Mother came down and with a start I realized that I had been gossiping with Sue like any woman. Despite the anomaly of my position, I had been discussing corsets, lingerie, and all sorts of feminine things without any sense of embarrassment or strangeness. Even more surprisingly, neither Mother or Sue seemed to find anything queer about the situation.

About ten Mother suggested that we go to church. Agreeing I asked her what I should wear. She thought for a moment and then said, "Why I think your new black silk suit would be most appropriate."

Surprised, I questioned, "You think I should wear a dress Mother? Someone might recognize me."

At that she exclaimed, "Why I'd completely forgotten about you in men's clothing." She then put me on the spot once and for all by continuing, "I'm sure you wouldn't be recognized but you do as you like." I felt that there was a malicious gleam in her eye as she said it but her facial expression betrayed nothing.

There was nothing I could say to this so I wandered upstairs. Looking at myself in the mirror, I thought over my predicament. Finally I said to myself, "If you like to dress as a woman as much as you pretend and wish to continue it, you'd better do the whole job or quit entirely. Now which will it be?" As I finished saying that I raised my eyes to the mirror and for the first time really saw myself for what I appeared - a handsome, graceful, and vivacious young woman without taint of my old nondescript masculine self.

My decision was made that instant. Slipping out of my house frock I put on the silk suit, rearranged my hair, powdered my nose, and put on my jewelry. Going downstairs I put on my new black hat and arranged the veil once it was pinned in place. Putting on my gloves and taking my purse I went in to tell Mother it was time to go.

She gave me an approving glance as she rose but said nothing about my decision and soon we were on our way.

At church we met several of Mother's and my friends. Mother introduced me to them as her niece, Davy. This name was only used in private by my family and no one questioned me or thought it strange. After the service I found myself entering into the general conversation on the church steps. Several times I detected approving glances from some of the men present.

Arriving home we went into the living room where Mother threw her arms around me and burst into tears. I couldn't imagine what was the matter until she sobbed, Oh Davy you were absolutely wonderful! I'm so glad you decided as you did for it makes all the difference in the world in you."

Her quick intuition had sensed my decision and seen its outward effect on me. I no longer slinked and tried to hide. Now I walked like a queen, proud of my beauty, my lovely clothes, and my ability to wear them.

"But why cry Mother?"

"I can't help it.", she sobbed, "It's just that I'm so happy." Then as I tried to dry her eyes I astonished myself. I started to cry to, something I wouldn't have thought possible.

At last we were on a basis of understanding and spent most of the afternoon discussing my venture into feminine life. I frankly confessed the ever growing desire. At the same time I admitted the fear of ridicule that had plagued me ever since the day Aunt first got me into dresses. She explained how much she liked me in a feminine role and that I had her complete approval to wear dresses whenever I wished. It was agreed that I would do as I wished in the matter with never any ridicule or criticism. The next morning I put on my blue house frock and spent the time helping Mother about the house. At lunch she suggested a shopping expedition and I eagerly agreed. I wore my brown fur trimmed hat with a veil and under my coat the new embroidery trimmed beige gown.

Our first stop was, as Mother explained, to buy some things I needed. Our purchases consisted of several dainty silk and lace nightgowns, a blue velvet feather trimmed negligee, and some mules. Mother consulted me so much in purchasing them that they were really my selection. I was delighted at the prospect of wearing these new things. I was also pleased that Mother would trust my judgment so much in selecting feminine underthings.

After that we did some incidental shopping and then, at Mothers suggestion, dropped into a doctor's office where I had my ears pierced. This was a surprisingly painless operation. To my utter gratification, not even the doctor noticed anything strange about me.

That evening after undressing I put on the prettiest of the new gowns. It was pale blue satin trimmed with hand run lace. I then slipped into the negligee, put on the mules, and replacing the wig took out the pins and combed the hair down about my shoulders. Then I went to let Mother see me.

She was delighted and after kissing me said, "Davy you look sweet as can be. Any man would instantly fall in love with you if he could see you this way." Even this remark didn't embarrass me as it would have a few days before. I was acquiring a feminine outlook and attitude toward life. She and I gossiped while she combed out her hair and then I went to bed to sleep wonderfully in my dainty gown. All the rest of the week I wore feminine clothes. By Friday, when we went to the theater with Frances, my ears were sufficiently healed to wear my new earrings. During the intermissions I was introduced to several persons whom I already knew and was proud indeed when I received several complements on my beige gown. These encounters were always thrilling and each time I passed inspection my ego was further inflated. For almost another week I remained in dresses, then one morning decided to wear my own clothes. They felt horribly coarse and strange. Surprisingly I even missed my corset. Mother, true to her promise, didn't say a word. Sue, and late Frances, both expressed their disapproval in no uncertain terms. Frances, when asked to stay for dinner, refused unless I changed - so I gave in.

As I was lacing my corset Frances knocked, and coming in said she would help. I cheerfully agreed for it was always a struggle to lace myself tight enough. She soon had me pulled in. As I put on my petticoat and the black and white silk suit, she took up the wig and combed it out.

When I sat down in front of her she had to comb my hair carefully back to keep it from bulking to large under the tight fitting wig. We wore our hair long in those days and in addition I had not had a haircut since embarking on my feminine career. I remarked that I must get it cut as it was in the way and also uncomfortable under the wig. She requested that I put it off for a few days as she had an idea. I asked what it was but only got shushed for my pains.

The next time we went to Frances's, I wore my old favorite and most becoming outfit, the salmon suit. When we had taken our things off Frances took me upstairs. She sat me down at the dressing table and removed my wig. I asked, "Did I do such a horrible job of putting it up?"

"No Davy. It's not necessary that you wear it any longer. Your own hair will be long enough with the help of these." And she held up two switches for my inspection. First she parted my hair from ear to ear, combing the hair in front of this part forward. She then pinned the switches into this part and combed them back and down so that they mixed with my own hair. After fastening it into a long roll across my neck, she rolled the front part into a pompadour.

Finished, she held a mirror so I could see. It indeed did look nice. It was in the latest sleek style and ever so much more comfortable than the bulky wig.

"It looks grand Frances but how can I ever do it that was after I get a haircut?"

"Oh you mustn't do that!", she exclaimed.

"But I can't go around any longer looking like I do."

"Why I think it looks nice Davy."

"Yes, but what about my other clothes."

"Phoo to them Davy. After I've gone to all the trouble of getting these switches for you, you can't spoil their use by getting a haircut just so you can wear your nasty old pants." I dropped the subject at that time and went down with her.

When Mother saw my new hairdo, she was most complementary and said, "Now you won't have to worry about being detected with a wig Davy. Most women wear switches, so it won't make any difference if they are seen."

I had not realized how uncomfortable my wig had been until that evening. I was surprised by the cool comfort of this new hair arrangement. I resolved however to get a haircut the next day but the next morning the sight of the switches on my bureau challenged me to try arranging them for myself. So before many minutes I was busy experimenting with the new hairdo.

Day after day I intended to get a haircut but the thought of a new hairdo made me defer it to the next day. Also, for more than a month, I wore nothing but feminine things and that removed much of the incentive.

During that time I was given a new frock, the basic black silk dress of the period. It had mutton chop sleeves, a high neck, and a drape suggestive of a bustle in back. I also talked Frances out of the blue silk dress with lace trim that I had worn at first. These new dresses gave me such a selection that I could always dress appropriately for almost any occasion.

One afternoon I screwed up my courage and dressed in my black gown, went shopping by myself. It took a lot of fortitude to make my first purchase but when that obstacle had been passed, I fairly went wild. I returned home well laden. Mother was both surprised and pleased when I showed her my new purchases - a lovely pink silk chemise, hosiery, a new purse, gloves, and a veil.

Finally came the day that marked the real turning point in my life. Resolved to get the long neglected haircut I waited until Mother was out. I then changed to my completely unfamiliar masculine attire. It felt almost as strange as had dresses the first time I wore them.

I had to walk around the house for some time to re-accustom myself. My skirts, corsets, and high-heeled shoes had completely changed my walk. I had to force myself to stride rather than take the usual quick short feminine step.

Finally I felt that I would pass, so taking my dusty hat from the closet I put it on. At first I thought it had shrunk for it merely perched on top of my head. Then I thought of my hair and stepped to the hall mirror.

Looking at myself from the masculine point of view, I realized that I looked absurd. My hair was impossibly long for a boy. The thought of the barbers probable reaction was so embarrassing that I fled upstairs and into the solace of petticoats. When Mother arrived home I asked her to cut my hair, but she absolutely refused. Angry at her I swore I would go out and get it cut the next day. Like many of my resolutions, I never carried it out.

A week or so later I returned from a shopping expedition to find that all of masculine clothing had been moved to the attic to make room for my expanding feminine wardrobe. During that week Aunt had given me a lovely rose lace evening gown with a black velvet cloak lined with rose satin. Mother had also given me a fine seal coat.

I was delighted with these new clothes and though I immediately wore the coat, I had to wait some time for an opportunity to wear the gown. Finally the night came and we were off to the theater. The gown left my shoulders and arms bare but was cut high enough in the bosom to conceal my deceptive padding. With it I wore a new pair of gold and coral earrings and arranged my hair lower on my neck than usual. I made an attractive picture for both Mother and Aunt gasped when they first saw me. At the theater I received so many favorable glances that I thrilled with pride.

Thus the winter fairly flew by and before I knew it I was engrossed with purchases for my summer wardrobe. Any remnants of desire to return to a masculine life disappeared at Christmas when I was showered with clothes and dainty underthings. I became very clothes conscious. With Aunts help, I developed very good taste, so with all the gifts and my own increasingly numerous purchases, I became a very chic young woman. By Spring my hair was so long that I could do with only one switch and before a year had passed, I dispensed with them entirely.

During the summer we took a trip and were so favorably impressed with what was destined to become one of California's most fashionable towns, that we decided to move there. While we were packing, I cut all ties with the past by giving away all of the masculine attire I had left.

When we arrived at our new home, we purchased a house large enough for the three of us and settled down to take our part in the life of the town. It was a happy life indeed and soon we were enmeshed in its social whirl. At first I had difficulty meeting men from the feminine point of view but by thought and coaching I soon felt at ease in any circumstances. In fact I became quite a belle and was given a rush by several young men.

This was a lot of fun but I had to be constantly on the alert to repel any amorous advances. This attitude at first seem to make the men more eager than ever. When they learned it was no mere pose, they settled down to treating me a good friend which was a most satisfactory basis. I also made many feminine friends and soon got so that I could hold my own with the best of them about the most intimate feminine matters. One day about a year after our arrival Frances came in a most exasperated mood. She had unable to find any nice underthings in the shops and remarked that she had a mind to start a decent shop of her own. At the time this remark didn't make any particular impression on me but in time the idea became intriguing to both of us.

Soon we were enmeshed in our plans to open a really smart specialty shop. Most of our friends thought that we were a couple foolish women destined to fail but despite this we continued our plans. We were terribly green and had a hard time making the necessary arrangements and getting our stock together. Finally we were ready and held our grand opening.

Most of the women we knew dropped in on opening day more from curiosity than anything else. When they saw the exquisite things we had, we got nothing but favorable comments.

From the first our effort prospered. In the beginning our lack of business experience at first kept us from doing as well as we might have. From our small beginning with nothing but lingerie, hosiery, handkerchiefs, and veils we slowly branched out, first into corsets, then hats and veils. Finally we became a complete women's shop.

I learned as we grew and in time even Frances had to admit that my taste was better than hers. I loved our twice yearly shopping trips to the East and could hardly resist keeping for myself most of the lovely gowns and accessories we purchased for the shop. As it was I soon became the best dressed woman in town and the more gowns I had the more I wanted.

Thus the years have rolled by. I am now middle age but still chic looking. I never think of myself as a man and the thought of wearing men's clothes is abhorrent. I am very happy in my feminine role and ask nothing more.

The End