241 Questions
What are the names of the ten-year-old twins in the Willoughby family?
Barnaby A and Barnaby B
Who was the youngest child in the Willoughby family?
Jane
What did the Willoughby mother find distasteful in a book she read?
The lack of adjectives
What do the Willoughby children discuss before the arrival of the nanny?
Sea voyages, pirates, and sea serpents
What is Tim's plan before the arrival of the nanny?
To visit the Reprehensible Travel Agency to obtain brochures and plot to get rid of their parents
How do the Willoughby parents decide on their vacation plan?
Mrs. Willoughby announces their decision to take a sea voyage vacation using a brochure from the Reprehensible Travel Agency
Why does Mr. Willoughby announce the plan to hire a nanny?
Due to the law against leaving the children alone
How do the children react to the arrival of the new potential nanny?
They describe her appearance and speculate about her intentions
What does Tim do when Barnaby A fails to include helpful details about the nanny's appearance?
He deducts points from Barnaby A
What does Tim do when Jane asks to look through the binoculars?
He refuses and deducts points for asking
What do the children discuss regarding the new nanny's appearance?
Whether she looks villainous, referring to a previous nanny who came the day before
What does Tim do when the children find the baby on their doorstep?
Reads the note and brings the baby inside
How does their mother react to the situation with the baby?
She uses scissors to cut the baby's curls
What does Jane remark about the baby after their mother cuts its curls?
It is not cute without curls
Who makes all the decisions for the children?
Tim
What do the children find the baby in?
A wicker basket
What do the children consider doing with the baby?
Setting it out for the trash collector
What do the children debate about regarding the note attached to the baby?
Whether to read the note
What happens when the baby begins to cry?
The children discuss potential names for it
How does Tim initially describe the note attached to the baby?
Pathetic
What does Tim use to describe the note attached to the baby?
Pathetic
How does the baby react when their mother cuts its curls?
It stops crying and stares at Jane
What is the eldest child's name?
Tim
What task are the Willoughby children given by their mother?
To dispose of a baby
Where do the Willoughby children leave the baby?
At the Melanoff mansion
What is the baby's name revealed to be in the note left at the mansion?
Ruth
What does Tim insist about the capability of doing important work?
Only the boys are capable of important work
What is the mother preoccupied with when the children ask for a bedtime story?
Knitting a sweater for the cat
What does Mr. Willoughby choose to read to the children as a bedtime story?
A volume of fairy tales
Where do the children arrange themselves when Mr. Willoughby reads the bedtime story?
At his feet, resembling a scene from a Christmas card
How does the story end?
With the children gathered around their father, resembling a picture-perfect family
Who is the leader among the Willoughby children?
Tim
What is the name of the forbidding house where the children leave the baby?
Melanoff mansion
What does the note left with the baby at the mansion ask for?
A reward for the baby, signed by the Willoughbys
What does the mother request the children to do before reading a bedtime story?
She requests them to do nothing
What literary characters do the Willoughby children discuss as examples of orphans?
Mary Lennox, Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, and James
What do the Willoughby children dislike about their parents?
Their mother's cooking and the color of their sweaters
What does Tim, the oldest, suggest regarding their parents?
Doing away with their parents
What do the children consider doing to Jane if she expresses fondness for their parents?
Putting her in the coal bin in the basement
What rules are involved in the children's game?
Using proper names and not using silly nicknames
What do the children express through their game and discussion?
Their desire to be rid of their parents and become orphans
What is the children's attitude towards being orphans?
They contemplate being orphans and express dislike for their parents
What do the children discuss about old-fashioned books?
The characteristics of 'worthy and deserving orphans'
What do the children debate regarding their status as orphans?
Whether they should be orphans
What does the game involve in terms of rules for asking questions or interrupting?
Moving down steps
What is the children's discussion primarily focused on?
Their plan to rid themselves of their parents
What is the nature of the dialogue between the children and their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby?
About their feelings towards their children
What does the postcard mention about the earthquake survivors' plans?
They plan to kayak a crocodile-infested river
Why does Tim refuse to let Jane see the postcard at first?
He finds the content too distressing for her
What is the children's reaction to the postcard's mention of the earthquake survivors being 'slightly bruised'?
They find it hard to believe
Why does Tim deduct points from Jane for being a 'scaredy-cat'?
She expresses fear of the coal bin
What do the Willoughby children discuss before the real estate agent's visit?
Their fears of being found and their past experience with the coal bin
What does Jane use to camouflage herself?
Their mother's hat and a note about defective electricity
How does Tim plan to make Barnaby B blend in?
By standing by the door with his arms up
What is the primary focus of the children's dialogue and actions?
Their desire to avoid being seen and their amusing attempts to camouflage themselves
What do the children discuss regarding the real estate agent's visit?
Their fears of being sold with the house
What do the children use to camouflage themselves?
Various household items and creative methods
What emotions do the children display while discussing the real estate agent's visit?
Creativity, fear, and a sense of humor
What is the children's reaction to the real estate agent's visit?
Concern about being sold with the house
How does the text depict the children's attempt to remain out of sight during the visit?
As creative and humorous
What do the children fear about the real estate agent's visit?
Being found and being sold with the house
What does the children's dialogue and actions reflect?
Their creativity, fear, and sense of humor
What does Commander Melanoff order for Baby Ruth?
Elegant velvet dresses and serviceable play clothes
What does Commander Melanoff struggle to throw away?
Unopened mail from Switzerland
What does one of the letters reveal about someone?
They were found alive after surviving crocodiles
What are the family members doing when Tim reads the postcard?
Baking cookies
What does Nanny recall being called by the senders of the postcard?
Insufferable
What does Commander Melanoff struggle to throw away?
Unopened mail from Switzerland
What is adorned with the name 'Ruth' on all items?
The clothes ordered for Ruth
What does the family discuss the language of?
The postcard
What does the baby occasionally chew on?
The unopened letters
What are the clothes adorned with?
The baby's name 'Ruth'
What remains untouched in the house?
Moths in the draperies and unopened mail from Switzerland
What does the family discuss regarding the postcard?
The survival of someone from crocodiles
What does Commander Melanoff request from the grocery store instead of a pizza?
Salad, vitamins, and soap
Where does Commander Melanoff place the baby in his mansion?
On the drain board in the kitchen
What does the grocer help Commander Melanoff order for the baby?
Milk, oatmeal, applesauce, and diapers
What does the baby, Ruth, do to Commander Melanoff when they first meet?
Tugs at his mustache
What does Commander Melanoff reflect on regarding his past?
His wife's meticulous organization and his once-filled refrigerator
What does the grocer question Commander Melanoff about regarding the baby?
The baby's size, teeth, and ability to chew
What does Commander Melanoff improvise for the baby from a dishtowel?
A diaper
What does the text describe about the state of Commander Melanoff's mansion?
A velvet couch with holes and old, decaying pizza crusts
What does Commander Melanoff ultimately request from the grocery store for the baby?
A range of supplies to care for her
What does the story suggest about Commander Melanoff and the baby, Ruth?
A new beginning for the melancholy tycoon and the baby
What does the grocer offer to send, which Commander Melanoff declines?
A pizza
What does Commander Melanoff struggle to find in his mansion for the baby?
A suitable place to set the baby down
What does the postmaster stammer in response to the postmistress's statement?
He stammers a question about her availability
What does the postmistress request the postmaster to do regarding his appearance?
To smoothe his lapel and even his sideburns
What does Hans-Peter hope for at the end of the text?
A future that might include the postmistress
What does the postmistress want to be at the market?
Precisely five minutes past ten
What do the Willoughby children encounter during their walk?
A mansion they had not visited since the day they found a baby there
What does Nanny prohibit the children from using during their walk?
The word 'dolt'
What do the children hear coming from the mansion's porch?
A baby's giggle
What do the twins express about encountering Commander Melanoff on the porch?
Hesitation
What does Nanny do when the children express concern about trespassing?
Dismisses it and shares a story about a dog's disappearance due to an open gate
What does Commander Melanoff offer the children on the porch?
Ginger cookies
How do the children and Nanny react to the encounter with Commander Melanoff?
Surprised and intrigued
What does Nanny emphasize the importance of during the walk?
Continuous fresh-air intake
What do the children express about standing still during the walk?
Concern
What do the Willoughby children notice about the mansion?
Changes
What does Nanny do when the children express concern about trespassing?
Dismisses it and shares a story about a dog's disappearance due to an open gate
What does Nanny do when the children express concern about trespassing?
Dismisses it and shares a story about a dog's disappearance due to an open gate
What does the nanny emphasize as important in facing their situation?
Baking a lemon soufflé
What do the two terrible tourists express a morbid fascination with?
Seeing frozen bodies on the unclimbed alp
What theme does the story touch on through interactions between the family, the nanny, and the two tourists?
Resilience, adaptability, and cultural differences
What does the author use to underscore the clash between the tourists' entitlement and the family's need to find a new home?
Humor and irony
What does the family receive from the two terrible tourists?
A postcard
What does the story humorously contrast the tourists' behavior with?
The nanny's old-fashioned wisdom
What is the family's primary concern in the story?
Their future living arrangements
What is the author's primary purpose in weaving together the contrasting experiences of the family and the tourists?
To add humor and depth to the narrative
What does the story provide a commentary on?
Cultural clashes, resilience, and the importance of old-fashioned values
What does the family's response to their impending eviction contrast with?
The tourists' cultural insensitivity
What does the tourists' dismissive attitude towards local cuisine highlight?
Their ignorance and demanding nature
What does the nanny suggest as part of an old-fashioned approach to their situation?
Emphasizing the importance of making a plan and baking a lemon soufflé
What does the Willoughby family find upon returning home?
A 'SOLD' sign on their house
How do the children express their feelings towards Baby Ruth during the encounter with Commander Melanoff?
They insist she is theirs and they are orphans in need of a nanny
What does the note from the real estate agent convey to the Willoughby family?
Confirmation of the sale and adds to the family's concerns
How does Nanny contemplate improving the visibility of her statue of Aphrodite during showings?
Moving it to the parlor
What do the children express regret for after the unexpected sale of their home?
Going out for a walk
What is the family's reaction to the unexpected sale of their home?
Distress and unease
How does Nanny respond to being compared to Mary Poppins?
She disapproves and emphasizes her professionalism
What do the children do when they encounter Commander Melanoff and Baby Ruth on the large porch?
Express possessiveness over Baby Ruth
How does the encounter with Commander Melanoff and Baby Ruth end?
Nanny and the children bid farewell to the Commander and Baby Ruth
How does the family typically react when potential buyers visit their house?
Assume disguises hurriedly
What does the note from the real estate agent indicate about the family's previous interactions with potential buyers?
The family has been disguising themselves during showings
What does the encounter with Commander Melanoff and Baby Ruth reveal about the children's attitude towards Baby Ruth?
They express possessiveness over Baby Ruth
What was Commander Melanoff proud of when he saw his family busy with their happy enterprises?
The final perfection of the candy he'd been working on for a month
What was Tim being very careful not to do while putting together a model airplane out of balsa wood?
Sniff the glue
What were the twins playing in the parlor?
Checkers
What was Baby Ruth trying to catch while toddling across the Oriental rug?
The cats
What unconventional ideas do the Willoughby children come up with for their futures?
Developing a lingering disease, entering a cloistered convent
What practical obstacles do the children's suggestions face?
Allergies and inability to swim
What does the story contrast the children's plans with?
The backdrop of a wedding in the Swiss village
What themes does the text explore?
Tradition, belonging, and the challenges of planning a future
What does the story create a juxtaposition of?
Old-fashioned, unconventional plans and traditional, joyous celebrations
What does the story capture the children's struggle to navigate?
Their futures in a world that seems to offer limited, old-fashioned options
What does the son of the bride at the wedding long for?
His home and a kind, loving man he called Papa
What does the story present a blend of?
Whimsical, old-fashioned elements with a sense of longing, displacement
What does the text explore in the narratives of the Willoughby children and the events at the wedding?
A juxtaposition of old-fashioned, unconventional plans and traditional, joyous celebrations
What does the story highlight through the depiction of the children's plans and the traditional celebration in a Swiss village?
Themes of tradition, belonging, and the complexities of planning for the future
What does the story contrast the children's old-fashioned upbringing with?
The backdrop of a wedding in the Swiss village
What does Commander Melanoff plan to do for Baby Ruth?
Name a candy bar after her
What is the commander's plan for Tim?
Send him to law school
What does the commander plan to do with the unopened letters and telegrams from Switzerland?
Burn them after dinner
What is the content of the letters from Switzerland described as?
Repetitive and filled with terrible news
Who mentions the boring content of the letters during dinner?
Jane
What change in tone is observed in the letters over time?
From pleading to anger
What does the family discuss during dinner?
The boring content of the letters
What does the commander plan to do with the stack of letters after dinner?
Burn them
What does Nanny do to the house that is appreciated by the commander?
Transform the house
What does the commander promise to do for the twins?
Give them proper names
What does the commander acknowledge about each person in the house?
Their positive impact on his life
What does the commander plan to do with the unopened letters and telegrams from Switzerland?
Burn them after dinner
What did the third Barnaby, known as Junior, invent?
Junior Mints
Where did Baby Ruth find her biological mother?
Champaign, Illinois
What is the occupation of Ruth's husband, Tim?
Attorney
What is the occupation of Jane, one of the former Willoughby children?
Professor of feminist literature
What business do Bill and Joe, the former Willoughby children, operate now?
Chain of clothing stores called Big Sweaters
Where did the postmaster and his wife run the post office efficiently for many years?
Switzerland
How many children did Commander Melanoff have with his second wife?
Six
What did the four former Willoughbys do at the foot of a mountain?
Saluted their parents
What did Glossary terms include in the text?
Acquisition, affable, alabaster, auspicious, beastly, bilious, confectionary, conspiracy, contemplating, cryptic, despicable, diabolical
What were the Willoughby children renamed after their adoption?
Bill and Joe
What did the note that was once attached to Baby Ruth indicate?
A reward for the baby
What did Ruth gift her biological mother as a souvenir?
A gold-plated wicker basket
What does the term 'heinous' mean?
Extremely evil
What does 'fortuitous' describe?
A good event happening by chance
What does 'irascible' mean?
Easily provoked to anger
What does 'malevolent' mean?
Wanting to harm others or having an evil influence
What does 'lugubrious' mean?
Very gloomy or mournful
What is the meaning of 'expostulation'?
A sound expressing disagreement or disapproval
What does 'glutinous' refer to?
Sticky and disgusting
What does 'nefarious' mean?
Utterly wicked
What does 'insignificant' refer to?
Very unimportant and powerless
What does 'meticulous' describe?
Extremely precise and careful
What is the meaning of 'glossary'?
An alphabetical list of terms and meanings
What does 'malevolent' mean?
Having an evil influence
What is the name of Commander Melanoff's son in the story?
Peter
What was the name of the candy bar created by Commander Melanoff?
Little Ruthie
What were the original names of the Willoughby twins before they were renamed?
Barnaby Linguini Rotini Willoughby and Barnaby Ravioli Fusilli Willoughby
What is the theme emphasized in the story?
Reunion and the importance of names in shaping identities
What was the outcome of the candy bar 'Little Ruthie'?
It did not succeed
What was the naming system that Commander Melanoff was hesitant about?
A, B, and C naming system
What did the Willoughby twins express their desire to be named?
Bill and Joe
What was the result of the candy bar 'Little Ruthie'?
Commander Melanoff was content with his vast fortune and the return of his son
What was the epilogue of the story about?
The successful future of Commander Melanoff's son and his role in the family business
What was the solution found for the twins' long and unconventional names?
Allowing them to change their names to Bill and Joe
What was the result of the candy bar created by Commander Melanoff?
It did not succeed
What were the names of the twins after they were renamed?
Barnaby C, Bill, and Joe
What was Commander Melanoff working on in the laboratory for a month?
A new candy
What was Tim being careful not to do while putting together the model airplane?
Sniff the glue
What was the baby trying to catch while toddling across the Oriental rug?
Cats
What was Jane helping Nanny frost in the kitchen?
Cupcakes
What does 'heinous' mean?
Shockingly evil or wicked
What does 'fortuitous' describe?
Good event happening by chance
What does 'malevolent' mean?
Wanting to harm others or having an evil influence
What does 'glutinous' refer to?
Sticky and disgusting
What does 'expostulation' express?
Disagreement or disapproval
What does 'lugubrious' mean?
Very gloomy or mournful
What does 'insignificant' refer to?
Trivial and unimportant
What does 'meticulous' refer to?
Extremely precise and careful
What is a 'glossary'?
An alphabetical list of terms and meanings
What does 'irascible' describe?
Having outbursts of bad temper
What does 'nefarious' mean?
Utterly wicked
What does 'malevolent' mean?
Wanting to harm others or having an evil influence
What does the commander plan to do with the unopened letters and telegrams from Switzerland?
Burn the stack after dinner
What is the baby's name revealed to be in the note left at the mansion?
Baby Ruth
What literary characters do the Willoughby children discuss as examples of orphans?
Oliver Twist and Jane Eyre
What does Nanny emphasize the importance of during the walk?
Manners and courtesy
What does Commander Melanoff struggle to throw away?
A huge stack of unopened letters and telegrams from Switzerland
What does Tim do when Jane asks to look through the binoculars?
Refuses her request
What does the postcard mention about the earthquake survivors' plans?
Rebuilding the city
What does the family's response to their impending eviction contrast with?
Their previous luxurious lifestyle
What does the text explore in the narratives of the Willoughby children and the events at the wedding?
The impact of family dynamics
What does the nanny suggest as part of an old-fashioned approach to their situation?
Baking bread from scratch
What does the commander promise to give to Tim?
Send him to law school
What does the baby occasionally chew on?
Nanny's apron strings
What was the original name of the candy bar created by Commander Melanoff?
Little Ruthie
What were the original names of the Willoughby twins before they were renamed?
Barnaby Linguini Rotini Willoughby and Barnaby Ravioli Fusilli Willoughby
What is the theme emphasized in the story?
Reunion and the importance of names in shaping identities
What does Commander Melanoff rename the boy, Peter, as?
Barnaby C
What did the twins express their desire to be named?
Bill and Joe
What is the outcome of the candy bar created by Commander Melanoff?
It did not succeed
What does Commander Melanoff reflect on regarding his past?
His hardships and eventual success
What does the epilogue highlight?
The successful future of Commander Melanoff's son and his role in the family business
What is the name of the bedraggled boy recognized by Commander Melanoff as his son?
Peter
What does the family find a solution to regarding the twins' names?
The twins' long and unconventional names
What does the story conclude with?
The happy reunion of the family and the resolution of the naming dilemma
What does the commander seek suggestions to rename the twins?
The A, B, and C naming system
What did Baby Ruth do after finding her biological mother?
She gifted her a gold-plated wicker basket
What did Bill and Joe do after being adopted?
Operate a chain of clothing stores called Big Sweaters
What did the third Barnaby invent?
Junior Mints
What did Jane become after growing up?
A professor of feminist literature
Where did Baby Ruth find her biological mother?
Champaign, Illinois
What do Bill and Joe do for a living?
Operate a chain of clothing stores called Big Sweaters
What did Ruth gift her biological mother as a souvenir?
A gold-plated wicker basket
What did Jane's husband do for a living?
He became an attorney
What did Commander Melanoff do when he visited Switzerland?
Stopped at the post office
What did the former Willoughbys do at the foot of a mountain?
Saluted their parents
What did the glossary terms include?
Acquisition, affable, alabaster, auspicious, beastly, bilious, confectionary, conspiracy, contemplating, cryptic, despicable, diabolical
What did Ruth's husband do for a living?
He became an attorney
Study Notes
The Willoughby Children's Orphanhood Game
- The Willoughby children contemplate being orphans and play a game about it
- They discuss the characteristics of "worthy and deserving orphans" from old-fashioned books
- The children discuss examples of orphans from literature, including Mary Lennox, Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, and James from James and the Giant Peach
- They debate whether they should be orphans and express dislike for their parents
- Tim, the oldest, suggests doing away with their parents
- The children play a game with rules about moving down steps when asking questions or interrupting
- The children express their grievances about their parents, including their mother's cooking and the color of their sweaters
- They consider putting Jane in the coal bin in the basement if she expresses fondness for their parents
- The children discuss the game rules, including using proper names and not using silly nicknames
- The children continue to discuss their plan to rid themselves of their parents
- The text includes dialogue between the children and their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby, about their feelings towards their children
- The children's game and discussion reflect their desire to be rid of their parents and become orphans
An Astonishing Acquisition
- Commander Melanoff is surprised to find a smiling, damp, stubbly-haired baby in a basket on his doorstep
- He struggles to find a suitable place to set the baby down in his mansion, eventually placing it on the drain board in the kitchen
- He improvises a diaper from a dishtowel and then calls the local grocery store and pizza parlor to order baby supplies
- The grocer helps him order milk, oatmeal, applesauce, and diapers, or "nappies," for the baby
- The grocer also offers to send a pizza, but Commander Melanoff declines, requesting a salad, vitamins, and soap instead
- The baby, named Ruth, tugs at Commander Melanoff's mustache, marking the beginning of their new life together
- Commander Melanoff reflects on his past, including his wife's meticulous organization and his once-filled refrigerator
- He is reminded of his lost child and the tragedy that has left him alone for a long time
- The text describes the state of Commander Melanoff's mansion, including a velvet couch with holes and old, decaying pizza crusts
- The grocer questions Commander Melanoff about the baby's size, teeth, and ability to chew, to determine the appropriate supplies to deliver
- Commander Melanoff is initially uncertain about what he needs for the baby, but ultimately requests a range of supplies to care for her
- The story suggests a new beginning for the melancholy tycoon and the baby, Ruth, as they embark on their journey together
Unforeseen Encounters and a Regrettable Transaction
- Nanny and the children meet Commander Melanoff and his ward, Baby Ruth, on the large porch.
- Nanny disapproves of being compared to Mary Poppins and emphasizes her professionalism.
- The children express possessiveness over Baby Ruth, insisting she is theirs and they are orphans in need of a nanny.
- The encounter ends with Nanny and the children bidding farewell to the Commander and Baby Ruth.
- Upon returning home, the Willoughby family discovers a "SOLD" sign on their house, indicating it has been sold.
- The family finds a note from the real estate agent congratulating them on the sale and expressing regret for missing them during the visit.
- The family has become accustomed to hurriedly assuming disguises when potential buyers visit.
- Nanny contemplates moving her statue of Aphrodite to the parlor for better visibility during showings.
- The children express regret for going out for a walk, believing that terrible things always happen when they are away.
- The family is distressed by the unexpected sale of their home.
- The note from the real estate agent serves as confirmation of the sale and adds to the family's concerns.
- The family is left with a sense of unease and uncertainty about their future.
The Willoughbys: A Tale of Reunion and Renaming
- Jane reads a letter with a bad word, causing Commander Melanoff to react emotionally and search through the mail.
- A bedraggled boy, Peter the goat-herd, arrives at the door and is recognized by Commander Melanoff as his son.
- Commander Melanoff's son had stowed away on a ship, faced hardships, and eventually became the president of his father's company.
- The candy bar created by Commander Melanoff, named "Little Ruthie," did not succeed, but he was content with his vast fortune and the return of his son.
- The boy, Peter, is renamed Barnaby C, and the other two Willoughby twins are renamed with their middle names, Bill and Joe.
- The twins' original names were Barnaby Linguini Rotini Willoughby and Barnaby Ravioli Fusilli Willoughby, a result of their parents' preference for long names for boys.
- The family finds a solution to the twins' long and unconventional names by allowing them to change their names to Bill and Joe.
- Commander Melanoff is hesitant about the A, B, and C naming system and seeks suggestions to rename the twins.
- The twins express their desire to be named Bill and Joe, and their names are officially changed.
- The story concludes with the happy reunion of the family and the resolution of the naming dilemma.
- The epilogue highlights the successful future of Commander Melanoff's son and his role in the family business.
- The story emphasizes the theme of reunion and the importance of names in shaping identities.
The Willoughbys: A Tale of Reunion and Renaming
- Jane reads a letter with a bad word, causing Commander Melanoff to react emotionally and search through the mail.
- A bedraggled boy, Peter the goat-herd, arrives at the door and is recognized by Commander Melanoff as his son.
- Commander Melanoff's son had stowed away on a ship, faced hardships, and eventually became the president of his father's company.
- The candy bar created by Commander Melanoff, named "Little Ruthie," did not succeed, but he was content with his vast fortune and the return of his son.
- The boy, Peter, is renamed Barnaby C, and the other two Willoughby twins are renamed with their middle names, Bill and Joe.
- The twins' original names were Barnaby Linguini Rotini Willoughby and Barnaby Ravioli Fusilli Willoughby, a result of their parents' preference for long names for boys.
- The family finds a solution to the twins' long and unconventional names by allowing them to change their names to Bill and Joe.
- Commander Melanoff is hesitant about the A, B, and C naming system and seeks suggestions to rename the twins.
- The twins express their desire to be named Bill and Joe, and their names are officially changed.
- The story concludes with the happy reunion of the family and the resolution of the naming dilemma.
- The epilogue highlights the successful future of Commander Melanoff's son and his role in the family business.
- The story emphasizes the theme of reunion and the importance of names in shaping identities.
The Willoughby Family After Their Adoption
- The Willoughby children were adopted by a commander and his wife and were renamed Bill and Joe.
- The note that was once attached to Baby Ruth, indicating a reward for the baby, was lost, along with the mystery of the Willoughby name.
- The third Barnaby was known as Junior, and later invented Junior Mints, which were already invented.
- Baby Ruth found her biological mother in Champaign, Illinois, and gifted her a gold-plated wicker basket as a souvenir.
- Ruth married her stepbrother Tim, who became an attorney and adored his wife, never being ruthless again.
- Bill and Joe never married and now operate a chain of clothing stores called Big Sweaters.
- Jane, who became a professor of feminist literature, married a man named Smith and had triplet daughters.
- The postmaster and his wife in Switzerland ran the post office efficiently for many years, never having children.
- Commander Melanoff, with his second wife and six children, visited Switzerland and stopped at the post office.
- The four former Willoughbys saluted their parents at the foot of a mountain and followed with cocoa.
- Glossary terms include "acquisition," "affable," "alabaster," "auspicious," "beastly," "bilious," "confectionary," "conspiracy," "contemplating," "cryptic," "despicable," and "diabolical."
- The text provides definitions and examples for the glossary terms.
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