Carol's expression changed from one of coyness to one of professionalism. "I just might want to do it," she said. "Can I think it over?"

"Sure, sure," said Bill. "Let me know anytime you decide."

Carol looked away and Bill, perhaps sensing his time was up, muttered good-bye and left. He kept his eyes glued to her as he backed away from the table. After all, Carol is one of the beautiful girls of Radcliffe.

She took a sip from her cup of coffee. I asked her if she wanted something to eat. "You're looking awfully thin," I said.

"Yeah, I know. But I'm fasting now."

"Fasting?"

"I do it for three or four days every couple of weeks. It clears out the system, makes me feel pure. I don't eat much anyway, and I've given up meat entirely."

I asked her if I could walk her anywhere, for I had to get going.

"No, I think I'll stick around. I bought the Times, " she said. "I think I'll read the Times. " Her eyes, which had been surveying the room, turned to me now. "If you want," she said, "you can come for tea tomorrow. I'm really happy these days. Things have been pretty good-I want to tell you about it." Then Carol gave me the address of her apartment, and I left.

WHEN I got to her place at four the next day, the girl who shares her apartment answered the door, wearing a bathrobe. I didn't know her, so I introduced myself.

"Yes, yes," she said. "Carol told me. "I'm afraid she can't make it. She's very upset and wants to stay in her room."

"God, I'm sorry," I said. "Is there anything I can do? What's the matter?"

"Who knows? It just happens. She freaked out, that's all, and she wants to be alone... Listen, if you want some tea anyway, I have some 'Constant Comment.' It would just take a second..."

"No... I wish there was something I could do. Freaked out-it's only four in the afternoon..."

The friend laughed at my concern. "You don't understand," she said, "It happens all the time. Carol isn't on anything. Shes just the type of person, who, you know, freaks out without drugs..."

III