I had always been my mother's favourite and could almost get away with any misdeeds or mischief, while June, my sister some five years older than me, was continually chastised for the slightest misdemeanour and was continually made to do the housework by Mother, who said it was a good upbringing for later life. I thought this exceedingly funny and and teased her mercilessly.

That was until the fateful week, when during the school holidays our parents informed us that they would have to visit an aunt who was unwell. So for the next two weeks June would be in charge, as she was the elder, and I was told to do exactly what June wished during this period. Athough I was slightly upset by this at first, I soon had thoughts of later nights, and playing with the local boys. By the way I was 12 at this timeso on the first night I slept very soundly dreaming of many adventures in the near future.

Little did I know that June had been very busy during the night, and as I awoke I found that all my clothes had vanished, and it was a grinning June who stood in the doorway of my room. 'Right, it's about time you were up and dressed. Come with me. I have your new clothes ready for you in my room'. I had no option, for as I was to find out later June had put all my boy's clothes under lock and key.

On entering her room I saw my new attire laid out on the bed, firstly a lemon girl's party frock with petticoats that were sewn into the dress. I remembered that June had worn this when she was about 10. Also satin frilly knickers and white knee-length socks and white buckled sandals.

'I'm not wearing those', I said.

'Oh yes you will. All of your clothes are locked away for the fortnight and, as Mother said, you shall do as you are told'.

So slowly, with a tear in my eye, I began to dress. After I was fully clothed June commented that I looked very pretty, but I lacked that certain something. 'Ah, yes', she said, and proceeded to tie a yellow ribbon bow into my quite long hair.

'Perfect! You look a picture, but I can't keep calling you Harry now, can I? No, 'Helen' it shall be from now on. Don't forget to keep all your clothes clean and tidy at all times Helen, and I don't want to see you without your ribbon in your hair for it makes you look quite cute. Right! Now to work with you, Helen', she said with a sharp clap of her hands.

And she did mean work. I washed, ironed, mopped floors, all of the housework was to be my task for the next two weeks.

'How do you like the boot on the other foot now?' asked June. I certainly did not, and, even worse, at night June said, 'Right, you have done all your housework, you can go out and play with your friends'.  'How can I go out dressed like this?' I asked. 'Why, your pretty clothes suit you perfectly, but if you prefer to stay at home, I perhaps can find you something to do'. So for the next two weeks my nights were spent either sewing, or playing with June's old dolls.

Just before our parents' return, June gave me back my boys' attire, but she had had her revenge, and never again did I treat her badly as I dreaded being put back into skirts and petticoats.

Helen
Lancashire

All readers, I am sure, will applaud June's revenge - the boy sounds like a thoroughly spoiled little terror, who was just waiting for a good dose of petticoat punishment. What a pity that their mother could not have joined in his training, but she seems to have been most responsible for making him the brat he was. A very good thing that he had a sister like June - as I am sure he would now concede. Those two weeks obviously had a beneficial life-long effect on him.

He does not mention being made to wear a pinafore or apron, but this must surely have happened. He could hardly do all that housework just done up in his sister's dainty party frock and party panties, although he must have looked absolutely precious. June took real care with him too, even making sure that his hair ribbon matched his dress.
Susan