Tom came home one afternoon for his lunch. Mary was sitting on the couch in the living room. She was barefooted, and she had her left leg crossed.

"Hi, Tom," she said.

"Hi, Mary." He kissed her. "Watcha doing?"

"What do you think of my feet?"

This question surprised him! "Your feet? Well, I never really thought much about them. They keep you up and walking, I guess."

"I've been contemplating them for the last hour, or so."

"You have?"

"People don't appreciate their feet enough."

"You think so?"

"Yes, I do. You know the story of Cinderella?"

"Yes, of course. She goes to the ball, causes the prince to fall in love with her, loses her slipper, then the prince scours the whole kingdom to try and find her."

"That's right. Well, a thought occurred to me: He must've really been attracted to her feet."

"No, I don't think so."

"You don't?"

"No. That was simply the only clue he had to find her."

"You may think that's what it was, but I think it was more than that. I think he was attracted to her feet."

He shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe."

"I'm thinking of painting my toenails. Could you give me $10 please?"

"Sorry, I'm a little short, right now. Next week, maybe."

"Ok, thanks." She got up-still barefooted. "I'll fix a sandwich for you."

"Ok, thanks."

She made a ham sandwich and gave him a Pepsi-Cola with it. He ate it quickly, kissed her, and went back to work.

A half hour late, Mary received a visitor-a policeman.

"Officer Foley! What a surprise."

"I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I'd drop by."

They sat on the couch together. Once again, she crossed her leg; She was still barefooted.) "I have a question for you."

"Of course."

"What do you think of my feet?" She wiggled her toes.

"I think you have very attractive feet!"

This please her. "You do?"

"Yes. Why, you have the prettiest pair of feet I've ever seen!" He rubbed her crossed foot lightly, as he said this.

"Thank you so much, Dennis!"

"Do you remember when you stayed at my house, and you left one of your shoes there?"

"I sure do! You think that could've been a sign?"

"Yes, quite possible."

"Yes, I do believe that it was. Like Cinderella leaving her shoe at the ball."

"Exactly!"

"Do you think my toes would look nice with red polish on them?"

"Yes, I do!"

"Tom said he doesn't have money to give me this week to do it, but maybe next week."

Officer Foley dug into has pants pocket, pulled out his wallet, pulled out a $20 bill, and gave it to her. "Here you go."

"Dennis! How nice!"

"One request: Let me look at the results."

"Ok. But what about Tom?"

"What about him? He doesn't have to know."

"How do I hide that from him?"

"Don't show him your feet for awhile. Wear socks to bed!"

He smiled-and so did she.

"All right!" she said. "I'll go to the salon tomorrow."

"Great! And please, let me see the results!"

"I will!"