LE GRAN BAL DU VENUS DE MILO (almost complete version)

An Unbelievable Adventure

Edited by J.R.H. Willson

I was pleasantly surprised one London October afternoon to see an old friend seated by a window of the King's Arms. I greeted him warmly, being surprised that he

didn't rise, but he did look a little tired. He motioned me to join him, and after a few reminiscences, told me an incredible tale. I found it difficult to believe, but there was

no reason for him to fabricate it. In fact, I was later able to confirm some of the details of the intriguing story. For reasons which will become evident, names of the

principals have been changed

--I will call my friend Arthur Alten.

J.R.H.W.

I.

I had high hopes for a wonderfully enjoyable week, for I had made the arrangements, and knew what was to transpire -- but I was not prepared for the outcome, nor the

tremendous effect that week would have on many peoples' lives. You see, an old friend, Cyrus Ching, a Chinese shipping owner, had made known to me his plan. He

had the same quirk as I, and planned a solution to our long-time dilemma. For he had discovered that Chow Yee Wong, a scientist of international fame (known even

despite the strict Chinese secrecy), had made a startling discovery while pursuing his work on superconductivity. Only they knew the secret side effects of the machine

he had created -- but I'm getting ahead of my story.

Bill and Anitra Nevins, close friends of Mavis and myself, were conversing happily with Mavis as our jet settled onto the runway at Nice. A week at an exclusive resort,

with promise of something different, and all very mysterious, had intrigued us all. For as much as we had travelled, often together, this week had a special appeal to our

fancies. Bill didn't completely share my quirk, but he suspected that Anitra might like it, and of course he knew grossly of the plans. When I say grossly, I

underestimate him, for he was a very perceptive individual whose ability to anticipate a situation was uncanny. It was this keen perception that had brought us together,

for he had observed friction between Mavis and I at our first meeting years ago, and had given me a few tips to help out. He was a good ten years older than the rest of

us, and had developed quite a paunch. He was quite a contrast to the gorgeous Anitra, but they always seemed quite happy with each other. He really had a difficult

life, for Anitra clearly needed to be number one, thus forcing him to curtail his dynamic approach in her favor.

Anitra, a Swedish beauty with long blonde hair and a delectable accent, chattered a good deal, not knowing anything about the details, but delighted beyond belief with

anticipation nevertheless. Mavis, you remember, had a wonderful personality, with the natural sense of humor that often goes with a figure a little on the plump side.

She was also a good sport, a fact which encouraged me to try this daring experiment. I was relatively quiet during the trip, for my excitement was tempered by a

nagging fear that all might not go as expected. And like most things in life, what developed was not what I anticipated -- at once supremely better, and yet enormously

different.

As we were driving into the rolling hills, our excitement mounted. The normally beautiful countryside was a parched brown, for the summer -- long drought had been

the worst in centuries. Had not the trees still been green, I could have imagined that we were in a desert climate. But as we approached the villa, visible on top of a hill a

few kilometers away, we noted with relief that it was set in marvelous greenery -- like an oasis. Apparently the owner had found access to enough water to keep the

majestic palace in all its splendor. The villa was low and rambling, all white with a large expanse of tile roof.

We entered through an impressive stone arch, with old-world wrought iron gates, and showed our invitations to an immaculately uniformed attendant, who waved us

through. As the car crunched to a stop on the gravel at the entrance, I was pleasantly surprised at the quiet elegance of the villa. In all my travels I had never seen a

more beautiful place -- perhaps my excited anticipation colored my impression, but the magnificent foyer seemed more fitting for a grand hotel from times past. The

brocade tapestries, the tasteful sculpture -- all were in such excellent condition that Mavis remarked what a delightful contrast this was to the many ruined and restored

chateaux we'd visited. For this place looked real, all the more so because of the many couples milling around -- the babble of excited chatter indicated the international

nature of the guests -- I counted five different languages which I could identify, and some others I could not.

As our bags were deposited on the gleaming brown tile which seemed to stretch out forever down long corridors, we were approached by an impeccably dressed,

distinguished-looking man -- obviously the manager. He asked something in French, which Anitra promptly answered. As they talked, I wondered if her French also had

a Swedish accent -- perhaps not, for it was her second language, she having learned English as an adult. She translated that we had a suite, as I had arranged, and

that we were free to relax around the grounds until the ball, which started at six.

As the porter carried our bags along the long outdoor corridor, I felt the pleasant beauty of the surroundings relieving my tense feelings about the outcome of the

evening. Our suite was elegant -- a sitting room, a small kitchen, and two luxuriously furnished bedrooms. A large window revealed a different and equally beautiful view

of the neatly maintained grounds. An atmosphere of serenity prevailed.

Anitra was bubbly, her broad smile showing her obvious pleasure. "Le Grand Bal du Venus de Milo," she mused. "What an intriguing idea. Only I did not understand

one instruction -- we are to wear sleeveless gowns, or ones with short sleeves.

Now why would that be? Oh, well, when in Rome -- do you have something, Mavis?"

"I'm sure I do," she replied. "Let's take a stroll around this place -- Art, dear, this is magnificent. Thanks so for suggesting it -- you always have such novel ideas."

"I'm glad you like it," was all I could reply, for I knew why the short sleeves were required -- and novel? She had some surprises coming. For that matter, so did I, but I

didn't know it yet.

After a short, pleasant stroll, we grabbed a relaxing nap, to recover a little from the jet lag.

* * * * *

As we walked along the corridor that evening, I admired the radiantly lovely girls, chattering excitedly. Anitra wore a long, tight-fitting black satin gown, cut very low in

front, and with narrow, jewelled straps. She wore opera-length evening gloves, their slender whiteness extending gracefully from beneath her mink stole. Her long legs

were accentuated by the clinging skirt, and her nylon-clad feet were daintily set off by the slim straps of her high-heeled sandals. Mavis had selected a chiffon cocktail

length dress, very elegant, and also low cut. Her Stonemarten stole reminded me of the excitement of smuggling it out of Greece years ago. Her shapely legs were

inviting, and she wore highheeled glass (really clear plastic) shoes displaying her neatly manicured toes with sensuality. Both girls wore distinctive, tasteful jewelry -- or

at least I thought so, for Bill and I both selected it all for them. We even had some specially made to his designs. We were of course in evening dress -- I ribbed Bill

about the fancy, ruffled shirt he was wearing, but he dismissed the remark as though his mind was on something else.

We were greeted in the foyer by the manager, who directed us to a side door, the main arched entry being blocked by an ornate screen. I caught a fleeting glimpse of

the guests already in the ballroom, and my heart skipped a beat -- it was really true! The small room we entered was only dimly illuminated; a low-pitched hum

permeated the area. I saw an oriental woman, handsome despite the grey in her black hair, but my eyes were drawn to the apparatus surrounding her. On a table

behind her was a complex-appearing device, with two large glass globes on top of it, glowing faintly blue inside. Other pieces of equipment were on the floor, under the

table, and beside it, some still in shipping crates, and others on top of them. The floor was barely discernible beneath the spaghetti-like maze of heavy electrical cables

connecting the equipment. Tall cylinders of gas were stacked in a rack against the far wall, tubing from them mingling with the cables on the floor. The woman rose

from behind a low console, covered with a myriad of switches and dials. "You are English?" she asked, smiling.

"We are American," Anitra answered, looking around the room in bewilderment.

"Splendid. I am Madame Chow. Welcome to Le Gran Bal du Venus de Milo -- I have a few preliminaries before you enter." She seated herself and shuffled through

some cards. "You are the Altens and the Nevins, yes?" Noting the affirmative responses, she continued, looking intently at the girls. "You must be pledged to complete

secrecy about this machine, even should you decline to participate. Please sign these agreements." They agreed in wonderment, and I felt myself tense with

anticipation. Madame Chow lifted a wand-like device of gleaming gold and ivory, with a delicately scrolled handle, on which was a tiny button and an ornate knob. A

braided metal hose and a heavy electric cord went from the handle to coils on the floor. She fitted a small gold ring onto the end of the wand, and explained, "This is a

machine which shrinks matter for a period of time. As you may know, all matter is more than 99% voids, and only appears to be solid. This instrument can reduce the

molecules to a nearly solid density, without altering their structure in any other way. So I can do this," she said, adjusting the knob until a faint hiss could be heard.

Checking the dials and adjusting a few switches and knobs, she raised her hand and waved the wand at it. I was startled by a pattern of thin ruby-red rays of light

suddenly reflecting around the inside of the glass spheres, recognizing them as laser beams, and immediately heard a gasp from the girls. Looking at Madame Chow, I

saw that her index finger was now only a short stump an inch or so in length!

She continued, "There's no pain at all. The finger is still there, but you would need a microscope to see it. To all appearances, it has been neatly amputated, but in 15

seconds, it will reappear."

Anitra reached her gloved finger to touch the nub, and remarked. "How very interesting. But what is this all leading towards?"

Then, without warning, the stump started to grow quite rapidly. In a second, it was a complete finger, and Madame Chow flexed it to demonstrate that it was indeed

normal again. She continued, "As you know, this is the Bal du Venus de Milo, and I'm sure that you recollect that she is without arms. So you may spend the evening

temporarily armless . . . ."

"Oh, no!" Mavis exclaimed, shrinking back. Anitra's mouth was open in amazement.

Just then, a curtain rustled, and a beautiful Chinese woman appeared -- I recognized her immediately as Cyrus Ching's wife -- but my heart started pounding when I

noticed that from the shortsleeved green brocade sheath with a high mandarin collar protruded not arms, but neatly rounded creamy white stumps! She introduced

herself with a little bow, and welcomed the girls. "I hope that you have a truly delightful evening -- everything has been arranged for your enjoyment and comfort. You, of

course, may refuse to participate, and you will be quietly escorted away from here, but even so, you must maintain your pledge of secrecy."

The ensuing silence was agonizing, at least to me, as I watched Madame Ching looking at the girls, and they studying her. Mavis appeared to be almost in a state of

shock. Anitra seemed to be in deep thought, and reached out to touch one of Madame Ching's stumps, which she promptly extended a little.

Anitra broke the silence. She asked slowly, "We must have our arms reduced to remain?" a troubled expression on her face.

"Those are the rules. It's quite safe, and as Madame Chow mentioned, completely painless."

"But why?" Mavis asked. "Why would anyone want to do such a ridiculous thing? I think it's completely asinine."

Madame Ching looked puzzled. "You don't know that your men will appreciate you more without arms?" she asked.

"Appreciate me more? Why, that's ridiculous. Because I'd be helpless?" she asked, and then turned to me. "Do you want me to have my arms amputated? Like hers?

she asked, pointing to Madame Ching's stumps.

"Yes," I replied, barely audible. "I do. My mouth was bonedry, for this was what I had feared. I shouldn't have been so surreptitious. "I mean, not amputated, but

reduced. As Madame Ching said, it's perfectly safe -- she's participating.

"And so are many others," she noted, waving a stump, in the general direction of the ballroom.

"Well, I won't have any part of it," Mavis exclaimed. "If

we have to leave, we'll leave. I'm not going to spend 15 seconds without arms. This is sick!"

My hopes crashed to the floor. I had exposed my fervent desires, and spent a good deal of money -- for nothing. Worse than nothing. Things would never be the same

again, I could tell by looking at Mavis' scowl.

Anitra toyed with one of Madame Ching's stumps. "You are certain that it is completely safe, for you have tried it," she said to her as if thinking aloud.

"Many times," she replied. "My husband enjoys me this way. It's not bad at all, you know. If you choose to participate, I'm sure you'll find some enjoyment."

Anitra looked at Bill. "Would you like me to participate?" she asked seriously.

"If you'd like," he replied. What have you got to lose?"

"Will you promise to take proper care of me while I am without arms?"

"Of course I will," he replied."

I brightened at the renewed possibility and put my arm around Mavis. "And I'll promise to be your complete slave-- your wish will be my command."

She looked at me almost in disbelief, and then turned to Anitra. "Are you serious?" she asked.

"Oh, why not?" she replied. "I have often wondered how one would feel without a limb. I am tempted to try it for an evening."

"I'm scared. This is all too much at once," Mavis said.

"Would you like to try the 15 second reduction of your finger as I did?" Madame Chow asked.

"Yes." Anitra said. and extended her hand. Madame Chow grasped her wrist, and waved the wand at her outstretched index finger. With the same flash of lights, the

finger shrunk as the wand was advanced, until only a short stump of a finger remained, the glove contoured neatly around the tip.

"Why, you are right -- there is no pain at all. There is simply no feeling! This is amazing -- Mavis, will you also do it?" she saaid extending the stump for Mavis to feel the

tip. She had barely touched it when it began to grow again. "Absolutely amazing!" she repeated. "I will do it if you will also, Mavis."

"I - I'm not sure. I guess it is safe, but . . ." she replied hesitatingly as she cautiously extended her finger. Like Anitra's, it was quickly reduced to a stump, and she

pressed her thumb to it. "It feels so strange," she said, moving it around. Then it promptly grew to its full length. "So it's painless-- and safe," she meditated aloud. "But

I'm so . . . I know I'm not going to enjoy it, so why should I . . . ." she trailed off, obviously confused.

It will be like bondage, will it not?" Anitra remarked.

"I've never wanted to try that either," Mavis replied. She cast a furtive glance at me, and then turned to Anitra. "I - I guess if you're going to do it, I will too." She looked

at me again, and smiled weakly.

"I'll see to it that you enjoy yourself," I promised.

"Then shall we proceed?" Anitra asked. "What do we do now?"

"Remove your stoles," Madame Chow directed. Bill and I complied, and collected their handbags as well. Looking at Anitra, she said, "Turn down the tops of your

gloves a little -- it's not necessary to remove them. Good. Which of you is Mrs. Nevins?"

"I am," Anitra answered. "Why must you know that?"

"Your programs are slightly different," Madame Chow remarked as she fitted a larger gold ring onto the wand. Now I could see tiny perforations around the inner

circumference of the ring -- I fumbled hopelessly with the principle of the device. I knew that gases could be compressed to a fraction of their volume, but solids? The

whole idea was mind-boggling -- and absolutely fascinating. Madame Chow made several adjustments at the console, and instructed, "Hold your arms out straight."

She then stepped from behind the eerie dials, and with one smooth motion of the wand with the ring encircling the arm, advanced it from Anitra's outstretched fingertips

towards her shoulder. I watched in amazement as the fingers, the hand and the arm disappeared as the ring advanced. Even the jewelled watch on her wrist just --

disappeared! She stopped just as the last bit of white glove vanished, and there was Anitra with only a gorgeous stump of an arm! She made another adjustment, and

the other arm seemingly evaporated. Then, repeating the process, she also reduced Mavis' arms to glorious stumps.

"Is that all there is to it?" Anitra asked.

"That is all," Madame Chow answered, directing us to replace the stoles. My heart was beating rapidly as I gently lowered Mavis' new stumps, and fondled them

lovingly as I placed the stole around them. I kissed her cheek softly. "Have a grand evening," Madame Chow offered as she set the wand down.

"Oh!" Mavis exclaimed. "What do I do if I have to go to the bathroom?"

Madame Chang laughed. "Maids are in attendance in the lavatories -- you will find them very efficient and pleasant.

Come along -- I'll introduce you," she said, lifting one of those delightful nubs to show the way. Bill and I retrieved the girls' tiny handbags, and escorted them through

the door into the grand ballroom. After we had deposited their wraps at the cloakroom counter, Anitra explored various movements of the abbreviated appendages.

"They are really neat," she exclaimed. "And there is no feeling at all. How fascinating! How funny it feels to bend an elbow and have nothing happen. Or flex fingers -- it

feels as if there is nothing there. Have you tried it, Mavis?"

"Yes, and I'm not sure I like it," she replied. "Do you really enjoy this?"

"It is so different," Anitra mused. "I am glad I tried this--now I will know how it feels to be missing a limb. It is not at all as I would have thought."

Mavis pointed a nub at me and said, "Is my arm really still there?" She had a worried look on her face.

I looked intently at the tip. I could see only a tiny bud, and touched it with my finger. "It's there all right," I assured her. "But it's really very tiny. How does it feel?"

"It doesn't," she said. "I hope this turns out all right. I'm worried."

"Oh, it's going to be great," I assured her. "And there's nothing to worry about -- remember, I'm at your service." I suddenly found myself garrulous, now that I realized

fully that my fears that one or both lovely women would refuse to participate had not materialized. My elation must have been clearly evident.

Mavis laughed, "You're enjoying this more than I am."

I laughed with her, and placed my arms around her, savoring the feel of the breast-length nubbin. "I'll make your evening happy too," I promised. I enjoyed the round of

introductions, especially to the ladies, all of whom had arm stumps of similar length. They instinctively offered them as though they were still arms-- Anitra quickly

adapted and raised one of her nubs to touch the outstretched stumps. I took the opportunity to take each one in my hand and bowed to kiss its tip -- to the enjoyment of

the lovely women, I was pleased to note.

This had exceeded my wildest dreams -- a roomful of beautiful, armless women! And my own Mavis, and delightful Anitra included -- I was too busy enjoying it all to

even anticipate the future.

The girls seated themselves gracefully on a luxurious couch, and Bill and I took bubbling glasses of champagne from a tray offered by a cute maid. Her two arms

seemed out of place here, but practicality must prevail, I concluded. As I offered Mavis a sip, I felt awkward holding the glass to her lip -- as a matter of fact, some

champaign spilled, dripping from her chin, and she made futile attempts to brush it away with her stumps. I laughed, as I took my handkerchief and wiped it away,

conscious of her scowl. Then as I inserted the handkerchief between her breasts, she giggled, and brushed my hand with the tip of a nub. I impulsively leaned over and

kissed her, fondly. I sat beside her, and taking both arm remnants in my hands said, "Did I ever tell you that I've fallen in love with you?" She returned my kiss; placing

her stumps on my cheeks, to my great delight.

"You two stop that!" Anitra joked, laughing gaily. "There will be time for that later. I would like a cigarette, please." I turned and reached for her purse, selected a

cigarette, placed it carefully in her lips, and quickly lit it. As I removed the cigarette, she blew the delicious smoke at the match, extinguishing it. We both laughed, and

she snuggled closer. How near heaven I was, sitting between the two helpless beauties, surrounded by glorious stumps -- I was too excited to even get aroused. Bill

had wandered off, as he was prone to do, and I found myself happily busy taking care of both girls. Mavis didn't smoke, but I was constantly occupied lifting the

champagne glasses. I was much more accomplished sitting beside the lovely creatures, for I could put my head close to theirs and handle the glasses much more

smoothly. I found that I became much more sensitive to their wants, and no more spillage occurred, although I was tempted with Anitra, for I so wanted to mop around

her beautiful cleavage. Since I am right handed, I noted that bringing the glass around Anitra's head worked very well, and pulled her delightfully towards me. She was

enjoying every second of it, and used a stump on my hand to guide it.

"This is different, and interesting, is it not?' she asked of Mavis.

"It's different, all right," she scowled. "I feel so completely helpless. I've had enough already."

"Oh, come now," Anitra chided. "Why don't you relax and enjoy it? Do you not like being waited upon?"

"Oh, that part is sort of fun," she replied. "But I just don't like the idea of having to be waited on. It's like I've just given myself completely into Arthur's hands."

"Yes, I know, " Anitra agreed. "And I think that I very much like that feeling. We often do hold back our feelings, to the detriment of our enjoyment -- do you agree,

Mavis?"

"Well, maybe. Sure, I hold back my feelings sometimes -- but there's protection from being hurt, you know, I guess that's what I don't like -- I'm so vulnerable now. I'm

worried silly that something is going to go wrong, and I'll be stranded and helpless. I've lost any independence, too, I can't be at all confident that I can get what I want.

Don't you see that?"

"Oh, you do worry too much," Anitra chided. "And we can get anything we want, merely by asking." She turned to me and said, "I would like another cigarette, please."

I complied, and after she had blown the thin stream of smoke through her pursed lips, she continued. "See? There is nothing to it." She turned and thanked me with

that broad smile.

"Oh, for you I'm sure it works. You did that sort of thing anyway," she said, a little jealous. It was true, of course, for I had observed that Anitra used every little trick in

the book to get men to wait on her. And I was ready to jump at her every command -- she really had this game mastered.

"But you could also," Anitra replied. "Do try, Mavis -- it is only being feminine, and I like that very much."

Mavis laughed, a little nervously. "O.K. -- I'll try." She turned to me and said, "I would like a sip of champagne, dear."

She batted her eyelashes as she spoke, and we all burst into laughter at that. Mavis almost couldn't stop long enough to take the sip as I offered it to her. "Now I'm

your poor, helpless baby -- do take care of little old me," she giggled as she wiggled close to me and lay her head on my shoulder.

"I'll be delighted to." I replied happily, pulling her close to me. "Remember, I'm your slave now."

I was in ecstasy in sly great fortune, and was a little disappointed when Bill returned. He already showed the effects of champagne, but responded when Anitra

suggested that we dance to the strains of soft music emanating from the adjoining room. I assisted the ladies up with a hand under their stumps, and placed my arm

around Mavis to escort her, delighting when she stroked it with her nub. "Happy?" I asked. She nodded weakly, and I felt that she still wasn't enjoying the evening. I

bent over to kiss her neck, and was pleased with the resultant wiggle and pressure from the arm remnant. She looked a little worried as we faced each other on the

dance floor, but relaxed a little as she looked at the other armless beauties happily dancing. I lifted her stumps, holding her right one in my cupped hand, and resting

the other on my encircling arm, I pulled her close, and stepped out. Mavis loved to dance, and was very light on her feet. I was pleased to note that she was enjoying it

greatly -- the delightful feel of her stumps prompted me to even better dancing than usual. As the dance ended, the men applauded, the women beaming at their

partners. I marvelled at how happy they all appeared, for I suspected that none of them had any real desire to be armless. But women do like to be a little helpless at

times, so they must be enjoying that feeling, knowing that it was only temporary.

I asked Anitra for a dance, and we exchanged partners. She was an even better dancer than Mavis, and we had enjoyed dancing together many times. She had

adapted marvelously to her lack of arms, and was fast becoming expert with the short stumps. We did twirls, back bends and the complete repertoire, her beautifully

tanned arm remnants flying with a grace that implied that she had been armless all her life. At the conclusion, we fell happily into each other's arms -- or rather my arms

and her remains. I touched our foreheads and rubbed noses -- she stroked my cheeks with those delightful nubs -- it was supreme ecstasy for me, especially since she

was enjoying it so very much.

The buffet dinner was another wonderful experience. Bill and I each took a single plate, and added what the girls directed with their arm stumps. Feeding them tiny

bites gave me great pleasure, and I was happy that Mavis appeared to be enjoying it now. The champagne and the dancing had relaxed her, and she jokingly teased

me with her nubs as I placed the delicious morsels in her mouth. Bill didn't seem nearly as happy as I was, but Anitra was exuberant and playful, and he liked her

attentiveness.

Strolling around the crowded room after dinner, I spotted Cyrus across the room. Pulling Mavis along, I extended warm greetings, and thanked him profusely for

arranging such an exciting time. In response to my questions, he confirmed that he had smuggled Dr. Chow and his machine out of China at some risk, for Dr. Chow

had wanted to escape the Communist oppression. He had brought the only complete machine, which incidentally had not been designed for the purpose it was now

being used. It seems that Dr. Chow had been busy with an experiment, when his curious kitten jumped onto the table and playfully pawed at the flashing lights. The

paw had disappeared, to the bewilderment of both of them. He was guilt-stricken, until the paw quickly reappeared. Realizing the significance of his discovery, he made

many experiments on animals, ultimately proving the complete safety of the device, to the point of trying it -- first on himself, and then on his wife, for he, too, shared our

quirk.

It seemed natural that he would approach Cyrus, offering the use of the machine in exchange for his escape. Dr. Chow was introduced but he spoke no English. I

recognized his wife as the charming lady who had operated the machine -- she was at his side, herself now armless like the rest.

I hated to see the evening draw to a close, but I was savoring the thoughts of what lay ahead, for although the ball ended at midnight, our women would remain

armless for a longer time. I began to worry again -- wondering what their reactions would be when they discovered that they would be without arms for a while longer.

We bade pleasant goodbyes to all, and collected the girls' wraps.

As we made our way along the wide corridor, Anita was still talking excitedly. The girls' stoles again completely covered their stumps, but Anitra continued to wave

them as she talked, making quickly darting bulges in the fur. Bill was quiet, and I suspected that he had imbibed a bit too much, as he usually did. Mavis walked quietly

at my side, and I wondered what her thoughts were as I caressed her through the soft fur.

In the suite, we sipped a nightcap as we relaxed. Bill had disappeared, and I was just as happy to be alone with the lovely beauties. I had mixed a single drink, which

we all sipped in turn. Anitra spoke with a hint of remorse, "Well, midnight is almost here. This has been a delightful experience -- I will be a little sorry to see it all end."

"It's not over yet," I said, giving them the first hint.

"You mean our arms won't materialize at midnight?" Mavis asked in a surprised, and somewhat panicky tone.

"Not quite," I replied. "We wanted to savor you this way for a while longer."

"How much longer?" Mavis persisted.

"That's a secret," I replied, kissing her cheek.

"How am I going to undress for bed?" she queried?

"I'll be delighted to take care of that," I replied.

The drink finished, we rose, and after bidding Anitra good night, entered our bedroom. Anitra promptly appeared at the door and excitedly said, "Bill has passed out --

now how will I undress?

"We'll have to call a maid," Mavis offered. I picked up the telephone, and hearing the reply in French, held it for Anitra. She clasped the handset to her ear and chin

with a stump, and talked rapidly, gesticulating with her free arm remnant.

I caught the falling handset as she released it. "There are no maids," she said slowly. "What now?"

"I'll be glad to help," I said, my excitement at the prospect arousing Mavis.

"No way," she said, glaring at me. Then, after thinking it for a second, she continued, "I guess that's the only way, but I'm going to be a stern chaperone."

We all went into their bedroom, which we could have found blindfolded by listening to the loud snores of Bill.

"My lover," Anitra joked, waving a nub at him. She faced me with a big smile, and kicked off her sandals. I turned her around, and unzipped her gown. Slipping the

jewelled straps off her beautiful bare shoulders, I let the gown drop to the floor, and she daintily stepped out. She really didn't have much on now--only pantyhose and a

strapless wired black bra. I paused to admire her delightful figure -- trim hips, a schoolgirl waist, and full breasts. Every line perfect, especially the dangling stumps. I

made to undo the bra, but Mavis all but shrieked, "Put on a nightie first!" waving her stumps wildly. Anitra laughed, and pointed one of her nubs, and I took a flimsy one

out of the drawer. She raised both of those lovely things high, and I slipped it over her head, and adjusted the straps as she dropped the abbreviated appendages.

When I undid the bra with almost trembling fingers, and pulled it out from under the nightie, noting the firmness of those lovely breasts.

"You really didn't need this," I noted. for they were as erect and pretty as they had been with the bra.

"I did so," she laughed, shaking her torso so that they bounced delightfully.

Mavis shouted, "Cut that out!" her jealousy showing. I laughed hastily as I reached under the nightgown, and peeled off the pantyhose, savoring every inch. Anitra sat

on the edge of her bed, and extended her dainty feet. I relished removing the hose from them, she wiggling her toes sensually. I gently removed her earrings and

necklace.

"Anything more?" I asked hopefully.

"That's enough!" Mavis exploded. "Let's go." I pulled the bedcovers back, and Anitra slid in sexily, leaning back and supporting herself with the extended stumps. I

knew that her nightgown would have hiked up, but I didn't dare offer to straighten it. Gently pulling the covers over her shoulders, I gave her a quick kiss and wished her

goodnight.

"Leave the door ajar," she said softly, "and your own also. If I need something during the night. I do not think I will be able to wake Bill." Mavis had fortunately started

for our room and didn't hear the request. I complied, and secretly hoped that she would need something. Little did I know what she had in mind. I enjoyed undressing

Mavis, too, but she wasn't all that happy about it. I placed lingering kisses on each part of her soft body as it was uncovered. I helped her into the bed, and quickly

undressed. I climbed in alongside her, wearing only my jockey shorts, for that was what I liked to sleep in, and snuggled up close. She responded hesitatingly to my

caresses, and finally said that she was tired. With great disappointment, I climbed into my own bed -- I had so wanted sex with an armless beauty.

I turned out the light, and lay awake, thinking about the wonderful evening. Mavis was soon asleep, as her deep, regular breathing proclaimed. I saw a shadow flit

through the moonlit door opening, and my heartbeat increased. "Anitra?" I whispered.

"No, it is only the maid," she laughed as she sat on the bed. I reached for her soft body, and felt my hand clamped between her stumps. She pulled gently, and I

quickly rose and followed her out of the room, quietly closing the door behind me. Outside, I pulled her close, loving the feel of those grand breasts on my chest, and

delighting as she rubbed my cheeks and neck with those soft arm nubs, returning my kiss with excitement. I steered her to the sitting room, and turned on a soft light.

As I sat beside her on the couch, her sensuous feet stroked my calf. I could now see her face, all smiles, and resumed kissing her -- all over. As I fumbled the

nightgown straps over her shoulders, I all but gasped at the sight of her bare breasts--they were perfectly formed, but creamy white in contrast to her well tanned torso.

They stood out like snow-capped mountains in a desert. I nibbled at them with great delight, amplified by her gentle stroking of my head with those wonderful soft

stumps.

Then she abruptly leaned back, and as I sat up, startled, I felt her foot slide up my leg. She deftly inserted her wiggling toes inside the elastic waistband of my shorts,

and I almost yelped aloud as her foot teased my genitals playfully. I leaned over her, turning so that I could enjoy her foot caressing, but getting close enough to fondle

those beautiful breasts again. She rubbed the back of my hands with her stumps, and giggled as she increased her foot massage tempo. My organ jumped instantly to

attention, and I noted with satisfaction that her nipples were firm. I dropped my hand to her silken gold love patch, and was delighted to feel the warm, moist, velvet-like

smoothness. As I fondled everything I could, wishing I had four hands, she deftly pushed my shorts down with that dainty foot.

I could hardly wait now, and moved about so she could slide them off completely, and laughed as she swung them in a triumphant circle with her foot. I pulled the

nightgown up, and she raised the cute stumps as I slid it over her head. Her perfumed warmth was overpowering as I lowered myself gently onto her. She wiggled

contentedly as I entered, her legs encircling me and her stumps flailing wildly as she desperately tried to grab me. I held them to me as our bucking tempo rapidly

increased. Her excitement was extreme now, and she squirmed in wild ecstasy, then opened her eyes wide in silent gratitude.

With only a slight pause, she resumed, and I felt all my nerves tingle as I erupted explosively. I fell onto her, and covered her with kisses, happily encased in her

warmth, and thrilling to the gentle stroking of her arm remnants.

"You're fantastic!" I whispered. "God, what a woman. I've dreamed of this for years, thinking, 'that lucky Bill'. "Wow!"

"That 'lucky Bill' is nothing by comparison. You are all I hoped for and more. This is heaven," she cooed, loving my caressing and kissing, and moving around to

present more places to my eager lips.

"God, when I think of all the years I've known you -- I've always had a 'hands off' attitude -- I never knew you cared for me," I bblurted out.

"Well, I did," she smiled at me. "And when you undressed me, I had an irrepressible desire -- I almost could not stand it when your hands touched me under the

nightgown. I am so glad that you did that just the way you did. You are so good!" she said with a wiggle of her body pressed to mine.

"I really enjoyed that," I replied, beaming at her, "But this is so much better. You're perfect."

"Do you like me without arms?" she asked, holding the sensuous remnants up to inspect them.

"Yes, I do, very much," I said, kissing them both. "I can't explain it, but you're more beautiful and fantastically desirable this way. Do you like it?"

"I like right now," she said softly. "I had never thought of this, but I have enjoyed the evening so much -- I do very much like being waited upon. I do not mind being

helpless when you are around. Hold me closer -- I dearly love that -- you must hold me twice as hard, since I cannot hold you."

I pulled her close to me, and relaxed, enjoying everything in reflection. 'What a dream,' I thought. 'This is too good to be true.' But when I looked at Anitra's serene

countenance, her eyes closed, and a smile on her lips, I knew it was real. I leaned over to kiss those inviting lips, and then rolled over, standing with her legs tightly

around me. I bent over to retrieve her nightgown, and carried her into her bedroom, my now limp organ still happily encased inside her. I lowered her onto the bed, and

reluctantly let her go. I was tingling all over as I slipped the nightie over her raised stumps, and tucked her under the bedcovers. With a long lingering kiss, I left the

room with great reluctance, and dropped into my own bed. 'What a grand finale to a grand night,' I thought as I dropped into a restful sleep.

II.

I awoke to bright rays of sunshine streaming through the drapes. I stretched, and looked at Mavis, still asleep -- then the previous evening's excitement, returned, for

the delightful stumps were still there, lying limp outside the tangled bed covers. At once I climbed in with her, and snuggled close to her lovely, soft body. I caressed the

nearest nub fondly, then one of her inviting breasts. She stirred, and moved a stump slowly, then abruptly opened her eyes wide. I quickly kissed her partly open mouth

as she held up both arm remnants and studied them. I looked into her eyes, and she smiled weakly and slowly stroked my cheeks. My kisses spread rapidly, and her

giggles were punctuated with playful pokes and gentle rubs with her delightful stumps, which got more than their share of kissing. I pulled soft folds of their skin with

my pressed lips, to her great delight. What a wonderful girl, I thought, and told her so.

We progressed slowly, savouring all manner of positions, experimenting to get different feelings for both of us from those glorious nubs. But I must confess, the one I

liked the best was the feel of her soft lips around me while she stroked my groin and pelvis with her stump tips. My tongue got a lot of satisfying exercises before I

scrambled around to pull her on top me. The light in her eyes revealed her happiness as she placed her nubs just below my collarbones to support her weight, jiggling

her dangling breasts against my bare chest. Her stumps slipped off several times as the tempo increased, and she laughed each time as she fell onto me. Her warm

pressure was so pleasant that I let her struggle a little before pushing her up again. I finally supported her shoulders and she responded by stroking everything within

reach of the little nubs. By moving her torso, I could direct them to my neck, my eyes, my cheeks -- and of course, those soft, full breasts pressed against me often.

Again I wanted four hands to be able to fondle more places. But that was being greedy, for I'm not sure I could stand much more pleasure. Our simultaneous climax

was most satisfying to both of us, for we knew each other's timing perfectly from years of practice-- I found that even though my pleasure and excitement was directly

increased by her stumps, I could still anticipate precisely. She stretched out on top of me, basking in the afterglow, and I delighted in the pressure of her body,

savouring all I could reach with my now-free hands.

I finally maneuvered us around so that she sat in my lap, still encasing me by wrapping her legs around my waist-- I had to place my hands under her armpits to keep

her from falling over backwards. She waved her stumps around, and said happily, "These things really turn you on, don't they, dear? You've never been better."

I leaned forward to accept her kiss and more fondling, for she was now not the least bit bashful about using her soft nubs. "Do they ever, love," I replied. "I think you

like them too, don't you?"

"Well, I really don't like being helpless all the time, but right now is perfect. And they tingle so delightfully -- kiss them some more." She raised the nubs to my mouth. I

opened it gradually wider, sucking the tip of the soft appendage further into my mouth until I could feel my teeth gently touching the smooth skin. Mavis squealed with

delight and wiggled it, at the same time caressing my cheek with the other one. She was excited again, and shuddered with ecstasy as I slowly slid my mouth away,

massaging vigorously with my tongue. Before I could even catch my breath, the other nub was pressed to me for similar treatment. She bounced up and down in my

lap, and cried, "Do come alive down there, dear -- this is heaven!"

"You nympho," I laughed after I had freed my mouth. "I'm an old man, you know."

"Oh. drat!" she beamed, jiggling her pendulous breasts with her stumps, then raising them and sensuously letting each one slide off the tip. "Do you like these as

much as Anitra's?"

"They're a lot closer to home," I lied, releasing a hand to fondle one. She placed the nub against my hand and guided it around.

"I want to do something special to please you," she said.

"You've done it," I said, as my limp organ slid out. She slid onto the floor and fondled it gently with her soft stumps as I spread my legs to make room. "I want to take

good care of you," she addressed it, placing a fond kiss as she held it up with one of the nubs.

"How about a shower?" I asked with anticipation.

"Oh, goody," she laughed, standing quickly and running for the door. "Come on, slowpoke!"

Once lathered up, the feel of her body was even more pleasant, especially the stroking with her ever-active stumps. I savored them particularly, but I delighted in

massaging every inch of her soft body. We reluctantly rinsed, and I dried us slowly, she playfully getting her cute nubs in the way periodically. I slipped the towel behind

her fanny, and she rubbed back and forth briskly, accompanied by sensuous jiggling of both her breasts and stumps. I stood behind her, pulling her close, enjoying the

feel of her soft hair as she leaned her head against my neck.

She slowly pulled away, and with a glowing smile at me stepped gaily into the bathroom. "What shall I wear today?" she mused aloud.

"You're a true Venus," I said admiringly. "Let's start with these," holding up some dark chocolate pantyhose. She sat on the bed and extended a tiny foot. As I slipped

on the sheer nylon, she wiggled her toes and arched her foot repeatedly, obviously pleased as I smoothed the stocking and caressed her toes, foot and ankle. I

progressed slowly up her calves, alternating from one to the other, fitting the hose as if I were creating a work of art. I passed her knees, and savored her thighs,

wondering aloud if I'd make it much further. She laughed gaily, and abruptly placed her stockinged arches against my neck, sliding them down to massage my

shoulders and up to caress my cheeks. I kissed them repeatedly with great pleasure. "You're delightfully expert with those," I noted.

I just discovered them," she replied, alternately stretching each leg and admiring it.