“I think we ought to make some clothes,” Floralinda said, “for us both; I had the idea this morning, but then I had a truly terrible thought, because, Cobweb—are you a boy—or a girl?”
<...>
“Must I be either? It sounds tedious.”
“I thought all fairies were girls; there’s always a fairy-queen; but then again, there’s Robin Goodfellow. Oh dear, how confusing!”
“If the fairy-queen chose to be a girl, then that is her particular cross to bear,” said Cobweb. “I don’t see why I should put myself out.”
<...>
“There’s advantages and disadvantages to both. Boys seem to have lots of good times, but they’re often obliged to be killed; girls don’t have as many good times, I believe, but they have lovely hair.”