"When your father and I were told to expect twins," she said, “we said a little prayer for two more girls. Actually, we hadn't planned to have any more children after you Darlene, but when I became pregnant again six months before your father's accident, we knew the baby would be a girl. And when Dr. Morrison told us we would have two ore more, we chose Susan and Lynne as our new daughters' names.' Mrs. Sheridan smiled as she fondly recalled the happy days of the past. "When a baby boy was born, we were surprised, and pleased of course," she added, with a smile for her son, "but we had become so attached to the names we decided that 'Lynn' could be given to a boy, too."

Darlene put her arm around her mother's waist and asked, "Why were you so sure you would just have girls, Mama?"

Mrs. Sheridan replied, “All the Sheridan children were boys, and most of the Brimmers were too, so we just had a feeling that we would reverse the family tradition and end up with all girls. Besides, both your father and I wished very hard for quiet, well-behaved little girls after growing up with loud and rough brothers." Unconsciously straightening the skirt of her son's dress, she continued, “Susan was born first, then Lynn, and . . .'

Susan interrupted, saying cheerfully, "Mother, I have an idea-let's keep Lynn a girl all the time. Then he won't grow up to be one of those mean boys who always bother me at school."

The little boy immediately protested this and Mrs. Sheridan laughed as she shook her head. "No, Susan," she stated, "your brother is the man of the house now and we need him just the way he is. The way he usually is, I mean!”

"Mama," Lynn said softly, touching his mother's arm. "It scratches."

She answered, "What scratches, dear?”

"This thing," the little boy replied, indicating the stiff, white material under his dress.

"Lynn!" Darlene giggled, "that 'thing' is a petticoat."

"But why do I have to wear it?" her brother questioned.

Susan replied, “Because it makes your dress stand out, doesn't it Darlene?"