CLothes Maketh The Man — Part 53.

Poor Veronica. Mrs. Gravely took the phone from me and replaced it in the draw and locked it.

“I don’t think I need to tell you that any deviation from the program will lead to Veronica being re-introduced to the lash. Neither of us want that, do we?”

No,” I said, still shocked at the sight of Veronica’s lash marks.

“You will address me as ‘Ma’am’, Andrea,” she said and looked at me, waiting.

“No, Ma’am,” I said, my eyes cast down looking at the floor.

“Good. Now, I’d like you to go and find 22. She’s going to help you get ready for this evening. We’re entertaining and I expect you to look your best. I don’t want to have to have you in again tomorrow morning and have to say that I thought you didn’t look like you were enjoying yourself. I expect you to look like you’re having the time of your life. Happier than you could imagine. Is that clear?”

I stared at Mrs. Gravely. How could I acquiesce to this? And yet, what choice did I have. Poor Veronica.

“Yes, Ma’am,” I said softly.

“Good,” replied Mrs. Gravely. “Now, run along. Find 22 and she’ll give you something to wear.”

I rose to my feet almost trance like. I turned and walked out, unsure which way to go. As it happened I need not…