GIRLHOOD OF A MAN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2126, 8 July 1907, Page 3

GIRLHOOD OF A MAN.

AN ASTONISHING ROMANCE. “The Girlhood of a Alan,” a strange psychological autobiography just published in Berlin tells the dramatic and pathetic life story of a highly intejlectural man brought up, educated, and employed as a girl. “No. O. Body,” as the writer styles himself, was born in Berlin on Whitsunday, 1884, of German parents. Doubt concerning tho child’s sex resulted in

x decision to bring it up as a girl under the name of Nora. During aer earliest school days “Nora” manifested signs of unusual strength, and played so roughly that her girl comrades refused to admit her to

heir games, compelling her to seek he companionship, of boys. The youths lowever, declined to receive her nn-

til she allowed paper to burn in the palm of her hand, and until she scalped her sister’s doll while playing Indians.

After leaving school “Nora” became an apprentice in a milliner’s shop, but gradually her intellectual needs began to assert themselves. Through an advertisement she secured the assistance of a reputable benefactor, who enabled her to become a student at the University of Berlin. Her studies hadJthe result of making her an ardent “Suffragette,” and she attended meetings and delivered impassioned and eloquent appeals for votes for women. A few months later she secured an engagement as correspondent of an American newspaper, and toured Russia ou its behalf, still delivering “Suffragette” lectures. On one ocasion, at Starnowo, she made the aquaintance of a young woman named Hanna Bernbardowna, and a pronounced affinity between them immediately assorted itself. The Russian girl followed “Nora” from place to place, till one day “Nora’s” soul burst its artificial bonds, and revealed itself in the shape of a manly and passionate petition for the fair Russian’s heart and hand.

Physicians in Berlin shortly after pronounced “Nora” the victim of an error. She assumed the rights and garments of a man, and took the name of “Norbert.” Her marriage with the Russian girl was celebrated as soon as the complicated legal formalities could be settled.