Their older sister nodded, smiling. “It's like underwear, Lynn.”

"But I'm wearing underpants already," the boy protested, raising his dress to show the frilly garment under the petticoat. "See."

The two older females burst into laughter, while Susan said im- patiently, "Lynn! They're not underpants; they're panties. And you're not supposed to let anyone see them. Are you, Mother?"

Her twin did not understand. "But why are they so fancy if no one ever sees them?" he questioned, in confusion.

"Darling, that's just the way women are," his mother answered, her eyes twinkling. "Some day you'll understand."

Darlene interrupted at this point, advising her mother of the time.

"Alright, children," Mrs. Sheridan said, standing. "We'll have to hurry or we'll be late for Lisa's masquerade party.'

""

Susan jumped up from the bed, happy that they were finally leaving, but Lynn remained sitting, fingering the soft material of his party dress lightly, unsure whether or not he should move.

Impatient at her brother's hesitation, Susan said, "Come on, Linda, we'll be late.”

The little boy looked up at her questioningly, surprised at being called by the feminine derivative of his name. When he did not move immediately, Susan took his hand in hers and pulled him gently but firmly off their mother's bed. Lynn looked at her hesitantly for a long moment, then shyly returned her warm smile.

Susan was determined not to allow him time to reconsider his action. "We'll have so much fun at the party, Linda," she said, ebulliently. "You'll just love being a girl!" Staring at her brother, Susan demanded, "You don't want to be one of those mean, old boys, do you?” The little boy quickly shook his head in answer to the question.

Then, one happy and exuberant, the other apprehensive but no less excited inwardly, two pretty, little girls walked from the bedroom, hand in hand.

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