Myra-Breckinridge-Gore-Vidal

fractured and two spinal discs have fused. Otherwise I'm ina great shape." The nurse agreed. Obviously she worshipsLetitia. "Miss Van Allen is just bursting with energy. It's allwe could do to keep her in traction." "How long have youbeen here?" I asked, suspecting what had happened. "Twodays after your accident, I took a header on the stairs atMalibu, and here I am, getting the first real rest I've had intwenty years." "Except she's a naughty girl and not restingat all." The nurse was adoring. "She has moved her wholeoffice into the hospital. You should see her room. It's amadhouse!" "Sweetie, will you mix us a nice martini?Beefeater gin, no vermouth, on the rocks, with just thetiniest dash of rock salt." "Oh, Miss Van Allen, you knowhospital rules... "And a glass of champagne for yourself.Hurry up now! Letitia is parched." The nurse departed.Letitia beamed at us. Then she frowned. "Angel, what'swrong with your face? It looks like you're... growing abeard." I sighed. "Well, I am. A result of some sort ofhormonal imbalance caused by the accident. Isn't that right,Doctor?" Randolph blew sparks at Letitia, and agreed, atconvincing quasi-scientific length. All the while, Letitia wasstudying me with a thoughtful look. I cursed myself for nothaving used a thick foundation makeup. "You know," saidLetitia, when Randolph had wheezed into silence, "youwould make a marvelouslooking man. Really, Myra, I meanit." "Don't be silly!" I grew hot with anxiety, as well as rage atDr. Mengers for not having done more to prevent thisdreadful, if temporary, reversion to my original state."Darling, I didn't mean it as an insult! Quite the contrary. In