Bedtime proved a little relief, as her stays were changed to the nighttime-type, a little looser, but also much longer.  These stays were to her lower thighs – another one of Gram’s requirements for ALL the girls.  No touching of private parts!  Masturbation was an abomination to God!  Even dressed as boys, their hands were tied to the bed railings at night if she suspected they were abusing themselves.  It was a common occurrence.

The one thing she didn’t like much was the light glacé dressing mask on her face to prevent the wiping off of the facial cream she had to sleep with. All the girls wore them. It was not tight, just annoying, it did have eyeholes, and a mouth and nose hole as well.

Patty DID enjoy the filly flannel nightgown – it reminded her of a petticoat! Just before they all said their prayers and went to sleep, Mother came up to say ‘good night’.

When she came to Patty’s bed, she brushed her hand over her hair and, with a loving smile, whispered, “You would make a WONDERFUL daughter, dear!”  With that she kissed on the forehead and began to walk away.

“But…I still want to be a son,” he said in his male voice.

Mother looked back, smiled, and blew her a kiss.