David Sooby wrote:

> Is there some reason to think that Piper didn't write it that way?
>
> I'm 70 years old.  I grew up with it being quite common, and accepted,
> to call adult women "girls"; especially young women.  If you are of a
> similar generation, then you shouldn't need examples.  May I ask, and
> I hope it's a polite question, how old you are?

71 this year.

In regard to usage of girl, Murray Leinster used the word.

Other heavy hitters of the time? Hal Clement, Robert Heinlein, Poul
Anderson.....can't remember.