The Legend Of Milady’s Bath

A digital recreation of an article published in “Ace Magazine” Vol3 No3 – 1959

Laurie Amberson couldn’t have known there was magic in her bathtub that would make her every wish come true. She was dazzled by the spell, but not as dazzled as you’ll be by the spell Laurie herself casts!

Once upon a time, way back in the 20^th century when all manner of strange and miraculous things happened, a glamor princess known as Laurie Amberson lived in an enchanted cottage in the fairyland of Miami, Florida. Of course, she didn’t know that the cottage was enchanted. Nor was she aware that the spell was particularly strong in the chamber set aside for bathing. (In those days, surrounded by all sorts of magical contrivances, small amulets that burst into flame at the touch of a thumb, bewitched spigots that spouted water at a flick of the wrist and curious cabinets that produced daemons in one’s living room without so much as an incantation, people scoffed at the very idea of sorcery.) The idea that the bathtub itself was possessed of the power to bring her luck never occurred to Laurie as she set about preparing to bathe. "Methinks Milady will draw herself a bath," she murmured to herself and filled the tub with warm water. She sudsed up a bubble-bath and stepped delicately into the frothy concoction.

"I wish I could get. a modelling job," she thought wistfully as she lolled in the tub. "I could sure use the money." Immediately the phone rang. Dripping rainbow bubbles, Milady answered it. It was top photographer Bunny Yeager. "Can you pose for me right away?" she wanted to know. "Well, I’m taking a bath" Laurie started to say. "Swell. I’ll be right over," Bunny answered and hung up. She found Laurie in the suds when she arrived. "How are you?" she asked, snapping a quick shot of unplanned allure. "All right except for the heat," Laurie answered. "I wish it would rain and cool things off." As if in answer, there was a loud clap of thunder and a deluge of raindrops pattered against the window. "There’s service," said Bunny "Rain, rain, go away," answered Laurie playfully and, to her astonishment, the rain stopped. She decided to test her new-found power.

"I wish Bob would call and ask me out tonight," she said. The phone jingled. It was Bob, asking her out. "That’s really something you’ve got going for you there," said Bunny, still clicking away. "It sure is," said Laurie delightedly, "You know, this bathtub must be enchanted." And she laved happily ever after.