inexperience he fumbles awkwardly. The experience falls short of her expectations that she runs away, hurt and disappointed, blaming the failure on herself. She tells Peter that they were not yet ready for love.

Peter pursues her at the University in the Fall, but Victoria retreats into the world of books and her imagination. So Peter turns instead to her roommate, Nadine, who takes it upon herself to initiate Peter into the joys of sex. For Nadine, making love with any man is a pleasure.

Meanwhile Victoria awaits the ideal love of her imagination. At a seminar at the University, she meets Gervais Messiambre, a French writer whose passionate novel has shaped her own dreams of love. Gervais is in his forties, graying at the temples, soft-spoken but with an inner strength and certitude. After Victoria defends his books in the seminar he invites her out. Tentatively, they begin a relationship.

But wounded by her encounter with Peter, Victoria is still uncertain about the physical expression of love. She discusses her doubts with her four girlfriends of the summer. Christine believes that a girl should guard her virginity until marriage. Judith, on the other hand, believes in sex before marriage, as long as the union is spiritual as well as physical, and as long as one takes the proper precautions. Nadine, the freest of the girls, says sex can be fun with any man, anytime. But Victoria still holds back, waiting for the right man and the right moment.

The moment comes with Gervais. His seduction of Victoria is infinitely tender and loving. She gives herself up to him completely. In his arms, her dreams of love and beauty become a reality.

But Gervais is married and a father. Although he and Victoria spend a few passionate and idyllic days together, both know their affair has no future. In the end Gervais must return to Paris.

He has given Victoria the gift of his experience and tenderness. In return she has bestowed upon him the joy and freshness of her youth. The exchange has been one of beauty.

Although Victoria will never see Gervais again, she has learned from him that her dreams can be realized. Thanks to him she has crossed the threshold of womanhood, open to all the possibilities of love.