"I don't know what comes over me." I did not quite understand this. "Do you mean you walk in your sleep or what?" He shook his head and gulped again. "Do you turn into a werewolf, Scobie?" Once more he shook his head like a child upon the point of tears. "I slip on female duds and my Dolly Vardan ("a greasy old cloche hat") he said, and opened his eyes fully to stare pathetically at me..."For God's sake!" I said at last. "You don't go around like that, do you, Scobie?" ..."Only when the Influence comes over me."
The anguish of a gentleman who feels more comfortable dressing like a lady is caused by the condemnation of some segments of society which, like Scobie's friend, disapprove and are shocked by his abnormal, but usually harmless preoccupation. While sexual arousal is often the intent of a transvestite, some simply developed the habit to relieve stress and anxiety. Others may have been dressed as a girl when they were children and it became a habit. The origin of Scobie's delicate obsession is unknown at this point.
This image was created by Japanese artist Yasumasa Morimura using mixed media and a color photograph. Entitled "Doubleonnage (Marcel)", it illustrates the type of clothing preferred by Scobie, especially the hat. The male model looks very much like a woman and the hands caressing his appear to be male. Even though most transvestites are not homosexual, some are. The model appears to be ambivalent about being touched and seems to be gazing longingly at someone across the room.
Balthazar, by Lawrence Durrell, published by E.P. Dutton & Company, Inc. in 1958, pp.41-42.
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