When they presented the shy, uncertain lad for approval, Aunt Lydia clapped her hands together with delight. "Ashton you look simply divine!" she gushed enthusiastically. "If I didn't know you were a boy, I'd never in a million yers dream you were anything but a pretty girl!"
Since they had not allowed him a glimpse of their handiwork, Ashton blushed profusely and shivered with trepidation at the unexpected compliment which he wasn't sure was a compliment. He was anxious to see what he looked like. "Do I really look like a girl?" he wondered fretfully. "Or do I look like a sissy boy? I hope I look like a girl!" The admission of that hope made him feel awkward and confused.
Before he was allowed to see himself, Barry Bangs swished over and clasped his hands together in unfeigned delight. "Oh, my," he gushed breathlessly. "You look simply scrumptious, my dear. I just wish I looked so cute when I was your age!" turning towards Ludia, he admonished her. "Darling, you really shouldn't go around calling your lovely niece Ashton! Why someone might wrongly assume she was a horrid boy trying to dress up as a girl! You really should call her Ashley at all times. After all, you don't want to make a mistake at the wrong time."