sample book report of the secret garden

The Secret Garden

By frances hodgson burnett.

• The Secret Garden Summary

The book opens by introducing Mary Lennox , a sour and disagreeable 9-year-old girl. She lives in India with her father, a British statesman, and her mother, a self-absorbed woman who frequently is out at parties and socializing. Mary has been mostly raised by her Indian servant named Ayah. Ayah and the other servants are extremely docile and will indulge Mary’s every whim, which has led her to become a very spoiled little girl who expects others to do everything for her.

One day, there is news of a cholera outbreak and Mary finds out abruptly that her nurse Ayah has died. She does’t feel much sadness and goes to take a nap. Later she is found by a police officer who tells her that both her parents have also perished from the disease. As a result, Mary is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, at his huge estate in Yorkshire, England. The estate is called Misselthwaite Manor.

Mary journeys to England by boat and is met by Mr. Craven’s housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock. Mary continues behave very disagreeably, feeling a reluctance to move to this unknown place. In the car ride to the manor, Mary is informed by Mrs. Medlock about her uncle’s reclusive behavior. Mr. Craven has become somewhat of a hermit after losing his beloved wife 10 years prior. When they arrive at the mansion, Mary is sent straight to her new room and meets her servant, Martha Sowerby.

In the first few days after arriving at the manor, Mary must acclimate to her new environment. She realizes that the servants in Yorkshire behave quite differently from those in India; Martha, for instance, refuses to dress Mary and instead encourages the little girl to be more independent. For the first time in her life, Mary must use her own imagination and is left to play outside in the massive gardens. There she meets a groundskeeper named Ben Weatherstaff, who is initially gruff yet gradually starts to warm up to Mary. Ben introduces Mary to the garden robin, who is very friendly and likes humans.

Mary, while playing by herself in one garden, enjoys the company of the robin and is glad to at last feel much less lonely. She is able to reflect upon her isolation and laziness while living in India, where she would never go out to have adventures or meet friends. One afternoon she discovers a garden with a wall but a locked door. Martha later explains that this garden has been closed by Mr. Craven, because it was the favorite garden of Mrs. Craven and also the place where she tragically died after being hit in the head by a tree branch. Mary feels curious about the garden and later finds the key to it.

Mary slowly starts to open up and become healthy, eating more food and feeling finally that the “cobwebs” are being dusted from her mind. She uses the key she found to enter the secret garden and is delighted by its beauty, despite 10 years of neglect. She feels instantly protective of the special place and desires to keep the garden alive. When she makes friends with the personable and kind-hearted Dickon Sowerby, the brother of Martha, she asks the boy to help her revitalize the garden, and he agrees. They also agree to keep their activities in the garden a secret, so that Mr. Craven and his staff do not find out and ruin their fun.

One day, Mary is finally called into the office of Mr. Craven and meets him face to face. She immediately notices how he seems incredibly unhappy and not fully present. Although he is kind to Mary, she can tell his mind is on other things. He tells her that he will be away for months traveling and that she is free to play outside, without supervision. This delights Mary, who was inwardly worried that he would assign her a governess, making it impossible for her to continue her work in the secret garden.

In the following days, she hears several times a strange crying noise at night in the mansion, as if from a child. The other servants in the house deny that there is any noise, but Mary is sure of what she hears. One day she goes to discover what the sound is herself, looking through the numerous bedrooms of the mansion. Finally she finds that the crying is coming from one bedroom, where there is a little sickly boy in a bed. The boy is Colin Craven, the 10-year-old son of Mr. Craven and Mary’s cousin.

Mary finds out that Colin has been purposefully hidden by his father, as his presence is another painful reminder of Mrs. Craven’s death. Colin has been told his whole life that he is sickly and will not live very long, and for this reason he is also quite disagreeable and often throws temper tantrums. This behavior reminds Mary of herself in India and she tries her best to show compassion to Colin, meeting with him often and entertaining him with stories about her life in India. She also tells him about the secret garden, which perks Colin’s interest.

Eventually, Mrs. Medlock catches Mary in Colin’s room and is angry and worried that he has been discovered. Yet quickly the servants are happy that Mary has befriended Colin, for she is the only one able to soothe the boy when he throws a tantrum. After one major incident of crying and screaming, Mary helps Colin by bluntly telling him that he creates his own malaise through his negative thoughts and beliefs about himself. Colin is able to snap out of it and from this moment on starts on a path of healing and reencountering his childhood.

Mary introduces Colin to Dickon, and the three of them secretly visit the garden and continue to work on planting and nurturing it, along with the help of Ben Weatherstaff. The garden becomes their favorite and most treasured place, where they spend each day enjoying nature. One time, Ben Weatherstaff gives Colin roses—the favorite flower of his mother—to plant in the secret garden. This moment marks when Colin shifts his attitude towards his mother into a more positive one, whereas before he blamed her for all his sickness and isolation.

As the days go by, the children together discover the presence of magic in the garden and are enlivened with a new appreciation for life, especially Colin. Colin leads the others in chants where they affirm that magic lives inside of them. With this newfound self-confidence, Colin starts to feel much better and is even able to walk after years of being chair-bound. Both Mary and Colin gain weight and transform out of their sickly and sullen former selves. The staff—who have forever known Colin to be poorly behaved and disinterested in playing outside—are very perplexed by this development.

In the final chapter, we are brought to a scene where Mr. Craven is sitting by a river in Austria. In a very magical way, he is suddenly able to feel happy and at peace—a rare sensation after years of grief and depression. Then, that night he has a dream about Mrs. Craven beckoning him to come into the secret garden. These two events propel Mr. Craven to stop his travels and return to his manor. Upon arriving, he goes straight to the secret garden, only to find the children there. He is shocked to see them, especially his own son Colin enjoying himself and walking like a normal child. Father and son are reunited and reconcile. In the final scene, they walk together into the house while the servants look on in disbelief.

The Secret Garden Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Secret Garden is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

3. Why did Mary and Dickon want to take Colin to the garden?

They want Colin to get out of the house and experience some fresh air. Dickon and Mary take Colin to see the garden, and there he discovers that he is able to stand.

Using specific examples and quotes from the book, compare and contrast the personalities of Dickon and Colin.

Dickon is the younger brother of Martha, Mary's main servant at her uncle's estate. Mary immediately takes a strong liking to Dickon as he represents the complete opposite of her former life in India. He is a down-to-earth farm boy who has a...

What has been happening every morning for thousand of years

The sun rising has been happening every morning for thousand of years.

Study Guide for The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden study guide contains a biography of Frances Hodgson Burnett, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Secret Garden
• Character List

Essays for The Secret Garden

The Secret Garden essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

• The Secret Garden and the Path to Physical and Emotional Wellbeing
• Ideology and the Children’s Literature: A Critical Analysis of The Secret Garden
• Isolated from Reality

Lesson Plan for The Secret Garden

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Secret Garden
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Secret Garden Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Secret Garden

• Introduction

Themes and Analysis

The secret garden, by frances hodgson burnett.

'The Secret Garden' contains a number of powerful themes ranging from the power of thoughts to friendships

Article written by Israel Njoku

Degree in M.C.M with focus on Literature from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

There are a couple of themes in ‘ The Secret Garden .’ Some of them include loneliness, friendship, and hope.  Burnett was able to prove with this book how strong the power of thoughts can be. Colin was the key character for the theme of hope and thoughts. He had gone from being extremely negative about his health situation to being very positive, and subsequently, he got a lot better and happier.

The major point Frances was trying to convey with ‘ The Secret Garden ‘ was about how effective thoughts are. In her opinion, positive thoughts were not only psychological, but they also affected the physical realm. 

The main characters in this book are mostly lonely. Archibald Craven had found love and was initially happy until the accident in the garden happens, and his wife dies. He is then seen constantly on a journey. It is as if he’s afraid of staying in his house. Most of the doors at the manor are locked like memories are being hidden.  People who have had physical relations with Mr. Craven confirm that there is a gloomy aura he emanates. He is a lonesome man. 

Mary Lennox, who comes off as a rotten and difficult child, did not have parental love. She was born to a mother who was more interested in attending parties and conversing with other people than parenting. This leaves Mary constantly alone with her Ayah, who is a personal maid. As a young child in India, she’s constantly sick with yellow skin; an ailment she shares with her father. Still, she’s left to navigate through life alone. 

Another person who shows the theme of loneliness is Colin Craven. His situation is the most pathetic. He is born shortly before his mother; Lilias Craven dies of an accident that happened in her favorite garden. Colin practically grows up in a room at the manor. His father is ashamed of how sick he constantly is and hates the fact he looks strikingly like his late wife.

Colin is so sad he throws tantrums from time to time to get attention. He loves to have his way and would cry if he couldn’t. When Mary finds him on one of those days her curiosity got the better of her, he is so hungry for a company that he commands that she’s brought to him every day and gets annoyed when Mary skips a meeting.

Mary comes into the manor feeling quite contrary and spiteful. While Martha attends to her, she wonders what would happen if she slapped her across the face. Knowing that the young girl wasn’t submissive to her, slightly pissed Mary off. With time, however, Mary’s feelings of irritation toward Martha changes, and her heart opens up to her. Her work at the garden also helps soften her heart. Mary is seen thanking Martha. An act she’s not used to.

The friendship that blooms between Martha and Mary is symbiotic. Martha is kind and helpful. When Mary grows an insatiable interest in gardening, Martha gets her greening tools and introduces her to Dickon who can help. 

The theme of friendship is also seen in Dickon’s relations with Mary and Colin. When Mary requests flower seeds, he gets them and offers to plant them for her. She’s frightened about telling him about the secret garden, but when she does, he keeps it a secret even when his mom asks. Dickon proves time and again how trustworthy he is. When Mary and Colin are not having enough food at the manor, he brings them some of the Sowerby’s. He is also a reliable friend. If Mary or  Colin needs something done, he rises to the occasion. 

Colin and his cousin Mary also have a friendship between them. Mary can also relate, a bit, to Colin’s situation and learns to be supportive. She is initially pissed that he’s so spoiled, but she realizes his predicament is not totally his fault. When Colin is about to stand from his chair to prove he is not crippled, she mutters underneath her breath that he can do it. She and Colin also share some very good times where they make jokes and laugh loudly.  

The Power of Thoughts

One of the major themes in this book is thoughts.  To Frances Burnett, thoughts were not just thoughts. They in fact affected the physical. Happy thoughts would bring a happy outlook. Mary and Colin are good examples of this theme.

At the beginning of the book, Mary is a sour-looking child because she thought sour and distasteful things. When her priorities and thoughts change, so do her look and skin. She becomes near beautiful. She is also able to relate better with those around her.

Colin also goes from being a sad, sickly child to an agile one. When he stands up from his chair, he believes that with constant exercising of his legs, he will be able to stand upright like any other person at the manor. It is discovered that there is nothing seriously wrong with Colin’s health. Only that he had heard adults say he was going to die and constantly dwelled on it to the point his body started to manifest signs of illness. 

Analysis of Key Moments

• The death of Mary Lennox’s parents. This marks the beginning of a new life for the young girl. It is after her parents did that she is sent to her uncle’s house In Yorkshire.
• Mary meeting Martha. With the maid in Mary’s life, some of her ill manners are confronted. Martha also serves as company for Mary.
• Mary Lennox’s exploration of the moor. She meets Ben Weatherstaff while she is at it. He is able to tell her a few things about gardening.Paul passes the blinding pain test set by the reverend mother by enduring the Gom Jabbar.
• Mary coming in contact with the singing robin that Ben adored.
• Mary hearing the sound of a weeping child in the manor. As a curious child, this rouses her interest and she is left wondering even when Martha tries to wave her questions away.
• Discovery of the key that leads to the secret by Mary.
• Mary meets Dickon Sowerby. The animal-charmer is also able to charm humans.
• Mary meets Archibald Craven in his sitting room. She realizes then that he’s not quite an hunchback as everyone claims. It is at this meeting that Mary requests for “a bit of earth” and is permitted to have any land she wants.
• Mary’s fight with Colin. They throw mean words at each other and Mary is able to tell him to his face that he isn’t dying anytime soon, all he did was engage in self-pity. Thus, the first seed of hope is sown
• Colin’s entry into the secret garden. The trip enraptures him and he is utterly fascinated. His ivory skin begins to become less pale.
• Colin’s sudden rise from his wheelchair. An act that is intended to prove to Ben Weatherstaff that he is not a hopeless invalid. 
• The presence of Susan Sowerby in the garden. She is immediately accepted as a mother-figure by the children.
• Archibald Craven’s dream about his wife. She appears to him and tells him to come find her in their garden.
• Colin accidentally running into his father’s arms.

Tone and Style

The style of writing used in ‘ The Secret Garden ‘ is the third person omniscient. Frances Burnett ‘s tone is realistic, descriptive, and progressively hopeful.  

Analysis of Symbols

The secret garden first of all symbolizes revitalization. It is a walled garden at the manor. It Initially had been a source of joy for Mrs. Craven, until she died and it was locked up. The garden intrigues Mary from the first time she hears about it and when she finds the key, she cannot stop herself from going in. Mary’s growth happens through her engagement in this garden. When Colin begins to constantly visit it, he learns to love, be thoughtful, and be ambitious. The secret garden is also a symbol of healing.

The robin symbolizes Mary’s growing relationship with the natural world. Mary learns that animals were living things like she was. With Dickon who is called the animal-charmer, she also learns that animals can be communicated with. 

What is the main theme of ‘ The Secret Garden ?’

The main theme of this book is healing. This is found in the lives of Mary Lennox, Colin Craven, and even his father Archibald Craven. The once friendless, sickly, and selfish children are mentally and physically transformed into happier, healthier ones.

What is the major problem of ‘ The Secret Garden ?’

The major problem in this book is between individual characters and their own negativity.

Does ‘ The Secret Garden ‘ have connections with Christian Science?

Over the years, Frances Burnett has been believed to be a Christian scientist. In fact, Christian science teachings can be found in ‘ The Secret Garden .’ Readers can find clear evidence of New Thought, Eastern philosophy, and spiritualism

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About Israel Njoku

Israel loves to delve into rigorous analysis of themes with broader implications. As a passionate book lover and reviewer, Israel aims to contribute meaningful insights into broader discussions.

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The Secret Garden

Frances hodgson burnett.

Ask LitCharts AI: The answer to your questions

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Secret Garden: Introduction

The secret garden: plot summary, the secret garden: detailed summary & analysis, the secret garden: themes, the secret garden: quotes, the secret garden: characters, the secret garden: terms, the secret garden: symbols, the secret garden: literary devices, the secret garden: theme wheel, brief biography of frances hodgson burnett.

Historical Context of The Secret Garden

Other books related to the secret garden.

• Full Title: The Secret Garden
• When Written: 1909-1910
• Where Written: Manchester, England
• When Published: 1911
• Literary Period: Victorian; "Golden Age" of Children's Literature
• Genre: Children's fiction
• Setting: India; Misselwaithe Manor, England
• Climax: Mr. Craven sees his son walking and laughing in the secret garden.
• Antagonist: Neglect and negative thoughts
• Point of View: Third-person omniscient

Extra Credit for The Secret Garden

Growing Fame. The Secret Garden wasn't well known or celebrated in the decades following its publication; it isn't noted in Burnett's obituary at all. However, thanks to the growing field of scholarly study of children's literature, as well as the novel's entry into the public domain between 1987 and 1995, The Secret Garden is now regularly rated among the most popular children's novels and is one of the best known of all Burnett's works.

Adaptations. The first adaptation of The Secret Garden was made in 1919, but the film is believed to be lost. Since then, the novel has been adapted many times for a variety of media including film, television, theater, and a multimedia series presented partially on YouTube. It has featured performances by Dame Maggie Smith and Colin Firth and been adapted by both Jack Thorne ( Harry Potter and the Cursed Child ) and Caroline Thompson ( Edward Scissorhands ).

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The Secret Garden

61 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-6

Chapters 7-9

Chapters 10-12

Chapters 13-15

Chapters 16-18

Chapters 19-21

Chapters 22-24

Chapters 25-27

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Further Reading & Resources

Discussion Questions

Summary and Study Guide

The Secret Garden is a middle-grade novel written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. It was first published as a serialized novel in The American Magazine between November 1910 and August 1911, and in 1911, it was republished in book form. Burnett had already written two extremely successful novels: Little Lord Fauntleroy (1886) and A Little Princess (1905). Over her lifetime, she wrote 36 books and plays and numerous short stories and was one of the most successful and highest-paid authors of her time.

Some of her contemporary writers were Lucy Maud Montgomery, Kate Douglas Wiggins, Ellen H. Porter, Rudyard Kipling, J. M. Barrie, and Kenneth Graham.

The Secret Garden has been adapted many times for stage, radio, film, and television and has been deeply beloved by both juvenile and adult readers since its first publication.

This study guide refers to the 100th Anniversary Edition, Kindle format. Please note: The book uses the word “cripple” to describe a bed-ridden character, a term that would have been used during the time period when the story takes place.

Plot Summary

When Mary Lennox was born to English parents in India, her vain and beautiful mother handed her over to a nurse, or “Ayah,” with instructions to keep the infant out of her way. Mary grew up both spoiled and neglected because she always got her own way, but getting her own way made her so unpleasant that no one wanted to be around her. When a cholera epidemic kills her parents and many of the servants, the rest of the servants run away, leaving Mary alone in the house. When she is found, she is sent to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven .

Her uncle’s enormous country home, Misselthwaite Manor, is situated on the Yorkshire Moors in the north of England. Mary arrives near the end of winter when everything is cold and dreary, and she hates it. Her uncle is not at home, and Mary is told that he is not interested in seeing her and that he has a hunchback.

Her first morning at Misselthwaite Manor, Mary is awakened by a cheerful country girl, Martha Sowerby , who has been sent to wait on her. Martha tells her about the walled garden on the manor grounds that used to belong to the lady of the house, Lilias Craven . After she died from an accident in the garden, Archibald locked the garden door, buried the key, and forbade anyone to go in.

Mary becomes curious and searches for the garden. She befriends the gardener Ben Weatherstaff , who introduces her to the robin who makes his nest in the garden. The robin leads Mary first to the key, then to the door hidden behind the ivy on a stone wall. Using the key, Mary opens the door and enters the secret garden. She finds it overgrown with roses, and the flowerbeds are choked with weeds and dead grass. Mary discovers green shoots poking out of the soil and clears away the grass and weeds to give them room to grow. That evening, she asks Martha whether she thinks it would be all right for Mary to have some garden tools and a bit of earth of her own. Martha tells Mary about her brother Dickon, who tames wild animals and knows everything about plants and growing things. She promises to send Dickon to fetch Mary a set of garden tools and some flowers that will be easy to grow. Mary trusts Dickon immediately and shows him the secret garden. He tells her what all the plants are and shows her how to plant the seeds.

That night, Mary hears someone crying. Going to investigate, she finds a boy her own age, her cousin Colin, who has been told all his life that he is sickly and weak and will probably die. They quickly become friends. Colin is as spoiled and disagreeable as Mary ever was, but she scolds and bullies him out of his tantrums. She visits him daily with stories about Dickon and the garden until he decides he wants to see it for himself. Mary and Dickon take him there in his wheelchair.

They are discovered by Ben, who is at first angry to find they have invaded Lilias’s beloved garden. He was devoted to her before her death, and she had asked him to tend the garden; he has done so ever since, climbing over the wall to prune the roses and keep them alive. Surprised to see Colin, he blurts out that he thought the young master was unable to walk and had a twisted back and legs. Colin is outraged and pushes himself to his feet, standing upright for the first time in his life to show that he is as straight as anyone. He orders the present company to keep their secret, and afterward, Ben helps the three children restore the garden. Meanwhile, Colin works to restore his strength and health, hoping his father will love him if he is healthy.

Colin’s father has been traveling, avoiding the manor, the memory of his wife’s death, and the sight of his frail son, whom he fears will die. As the children restore the garden, he begins to feel an urge to return home, and one night, he dreams his wife is calling him back to her garden. He returns to Misselthwaite and, following his wife’s voice , finds the garden door unlocked and enters to find his son strong and healthy. The garden has healed them all.

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The Secret Garden Summary Overview

In the beginning, we meet Mary Lennox, a sick, ill-tempered, unattractive child who is unloved and devoid of affection for others. She resides in India under the care of local servants, neglected by her parents. Her world is turned upside down when a cholera outbreak leaves her the sole survivor in her household. Soldiers discover her and she's briefly taken in by an English clergyman before being shipped off to her uncle, Archibald Craven, in Yorkshire. Craven, a grieving widower, lives in a vast, desolate manor. Mary learns about a secret garden, once beloved by Craven’s late wife, which has been kept locked since her death. Once settled in Yorkshire, Mary is consumed by an urge to discover the secret garden. During her adventures, she becomes healthier and her temperament improves significantly. This transformation is assisted by the gardener, Ben Weatherstaff, and a local robin who resides in the garden. Mary also befriends Martha, Dickon, and Susan Sowerby. However, she's intrigued by strange cries echoing from the manor. Despite strict instructions from Mrs. Medlock, the chief servant, not to investigate, her curiosity leads her to the secret garden. With the assistance of the robin, she finds the key to the garden and starts tending to the neglected plants, aided by Dickon, a local boy with a magical connection to the creatures of the moor. One evening, ignoring the orders of Mrs. Medlock, Mary investigates the cries and discovers Colin, Craven’s bedridden son. Colin, spoiled and imperious due to his servants' indulgence, forms a bond with Mary, although they have a falling out when Mary chooses to garden with Dickon instead of visiting him. Colin worries about becoming a hunchback like his father, but Mary insists his ailments are psychological. Secretly, Mary and Dickon start taking Colin to the garden, which results in a miraculous improvement in his health. The secret is kept from everyone but Susan Sowerby, Dickon's mother, who insists Craven return home. On his return, a dream guides Craven to the garden, where he's reunited with his son, revealing the miraculous recovery.

The book's main character is a ten-year-old girl named Mary Lennox, who's noted for her unpleasant demeanor and sickly, yellowish look. Mary's parents, living in India, give her no attention or love. Her mother, a stunning and fashionable socialite, leaves Mary's care to Indian servants to avoid embarrassment. The servants are told to keep Mary out of sight and always satisfied, which results in her becoming spoiled, self-centered, and bossy. No one loves Mary, and she has no affection for others in return. A terrible cholera outbreak in their Indian locale worsens Mary's miserable life. Her mother's thoughtless self-centeredness leads to the family's inability to leave before the disease hits. Mary's mother prioritizes a dinner party over their safety. Mary's Ayah, her nanny, doesn't appear one morning, leaving Mary to play alone in the garden. Overhearing a conversation between her mother and a British officer, Mary learns her Ayah has died from cholera, a fact that doesn't emotionally affect her. In the panic and confusion that follows the outbreak, Mary is forgotten. She hides in her room, alternating between crying and sleeping. When she finally leaves her room, she finds an eerily deserted house. Drinking leftover wine, she falls into a deep sleep. When she awakens, the only other living creature is a small green snake. Everyone else has either died or fled, including her parents. British soldiers discover Mary and whisk the newly orphaned girl away.

After losing her parents, Mary is sent to stay with a clergyman and his family. Nevertheless, her misfortune hasn’t changed her perspective at all, and she immediately dislikes the five children and the humble living conditions. The children reciprocate the sentiment, isolating Mary and teasing her while she plays at gardening, dubbing her "Mistress Mary, Quite Contrary." Basil, the favored child, informs Mary that she will move to England to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven. Having no knowledge about England or her uncle, this news startles her. Basil also shares rumors regarding her uncle, painting him as a hunchbacked recluse living in a distant, enigmatic mansion. Even though Mary dismisses Basil's tale, his words stick with her. A few days later, she boards a ship to England, under the care of an officer's wife who is sending her own children to a boarding school. In London, Mary is entrusted to Mrs. Medlock, Archibald Craven's housekeeper. Their mutual dislike is instant and unsurprising, given Mary's sullen demeanor and plain looks, which tend to make a bad impression. With Mrs. Medlock, Mary begins to experience loneliness for the first time. Mrs. Medlock and Mary board a train to Yorkshire, home of Misselthwaite Manor. During the journey, Mrs. Medlock shares gloomy stories about the manor and its master. Archibald Craven is indeed a hunchbacked widower, whose wife's passing marked the end of his happiness. Most of his mansion's hundred rooms are now locked and unused. To Mary, her uncle's story sounds like a fairytale, or "like something in a book." As she ponders this, it starts to rain, coaxing her to sleep.

As Mary wakes up, she finds herself in Yorkshire. She and Mrs. Medlock travel via a coach through a village and across Missel Moor until they reach the majestic manor. Mr. Pitcher, her uncle's servant, welcomes them, informing that her uncle is unavailable. Mrs. Medlock isolates Mary in a room and warns her against exploring the mansion or its surroundings due to Mr. Craven's strict instructions. Mary's defiance escalates to new heights. In this part of the story, the depth of Mary's isolation and its roots are further explored. Her unpleasant demeanor and appearance immediately invite dislike from both the clergyman's family and Mrs. Medlock. Mary's bitterness is compounded by her mounting feelings of displacement and solitude. When Basil informs her that she's going home, she retorts, "Where is home?" Mary now feels completely uprooted from everything familiar to her. She starts contemplating her life, realizing she has never truly felt a sense of belonging to any place or person. This newfound ability for self-reflection grants Mary significant realizations in the following parts of the story.

Martha, a maid at the manor, meets Mary on her first day in Misselthwaite. Mary confesses her hate for the moor, but Martha assures her that she'll grow to love it. Martha's casual manner shocks Mary, who is used to servants treating her with utmost deference in India. When Mary requests help getting dressed, Martha is taken aback, not realizing that Mary doesn't know how to do it herself. Martha's surprise triggers her to lapse into her region's dialect, which everyone but the manor's residents use. Martha suggests the servants in India must have pampered Mary because there were many "blacks." She even incorrectly assumed Mary to be black. Mary, insulted by this, vehemently denies and cries, causing Martha to comfort her and help her dress. Mary's black mourning clothes have been replaced with white woolen ones, pleasing her, as she "hates black things." Martha finds it odd that Mary acts like a doll while being dressed but Mary explains, "It was the custom." Martha then talks about her family, including her little brother, Dickon, who has an uncanny bond with animals. He even has a wild pony as a pet. This fascinates Mary, piquing her interest in something outside herself for the first time. Mary rejects her breakfast, frustrating Martha, who has seen her siblings starve. Martha suggests Mary explore the moor and maybe meet Dickon. She also mentions a garden locked up ten years ago after the death of Mistress Craven. Intrigued, Mary begins her search for the secret garden. During her exploration, she spots a beautiful robin redbreast and meets a grumpy gardener, Ben Weatherstaff. To her surprise, Ben whistles a soothing tune to the robin who has been lonely since his family left. Mary empathizes with the robin’s loneliness and is taken aback when Ben points out her glaring similarities to him; both have terrible tempers and are quite unattractive. The robin sings, trying to befriend Mary, who, friendless herself, appreciates the gesture. She tries to inquire about the secret garden from Ben but he refuses to respond and leaves silently.

For weeks, Mary lives a monotonous life: waking up, eating, and exploring the moor. Her outdoor activities ignite a change in her, making her healthier and sparking her imagination, which had been dormant in India. She spends time exploring the manor grounds hunting for the secret garden. She meets Ben Weatherstaff's robin again outside a walled garden and excitedly chases it around the garden wall, even trying to communicate with it, convinced that it resides in the secret garden. No matter how hard she looks, she fails to find the garden's entrance. One evening, Martha disregards Master Craven's orders not to discuss the secret garden and shares more tales about it. It used to be Mrs. Craven's garden, a place filled with cherished memories of her and her husband. Mrs. Craven would often sit in a rose-covered bower atop a garden tree until one fateful day when she fell and later succumbed to her injuries. Devastated, Archibald Craven locked the garden up, unable to stand its sight. Hearing this, Mary feels sympathetic towards her uncle. That night, amidst the sounds of the blowing wind, she hears a faint cry of a child. When she questions Martha, she denies hearing anything, but Mary remains unconvinced.

A downpour confines Mary to the house, where she's discovering fondness for Martha and her family tales. She finds herself connecting to Martha's brother, Dickon, and mother, though she's met neither. Since everyone at the manor pays her little attention, Mary decides to seek out the estate's library and investigate its many closed rooms. She sees numerous paintings of imposing men and women as she roams the hallway. Some of them appear to be intrigued by her presence, an Indian girl in their English manor. She is particularly drawn to child portraits and even converses with one featuring a girl who bears a resemblance to her, accompanied by a green parrot. Mary wishes this girl was real, for she feels like the sole living being in Misselthwaite. Upon entering a room, she discovers another painting of the similar-looking girl, which unsettles her. She further explores and eventually finds an array of ivory elephants in a room that appears to have been a lady's lounge. These remind her of India and fascinate her. A rustling sound reveals a family of gray mice residing in a cushion, and Mary realizes they aren’t lonely like her because they have each other. On returning to the corridor, she hears a child’s cry again. Mrs. Medlock catches her attempting to trace the sound and escorts her back to her room, noticeably angry.

After the storm has cleared, Martha informs Mary that spring is approaching. Martha is looking forward to her monthly day off, planning to visit her family. Mary inquires about the possibility of visiting Martha's family, which is met with uncertainty. However, Martha promises to discuss it with her savvy mother. Mary expresses admiration for Dickon and Martha's mother, despite never having met them, but expresses her fear that they may not like her. In response to Martha's question, Mary admits she doesn't like herself either. Once Martha departs, Mary explores the gardens and encounters a cheerful Ben Weatherstaff. He reveals his delight in the arrival of spring. When the robin reappears, Mary takes the opportunity to question Ben about any potential life in the secret garden. Ben is unsure, suggesting that only the robin, the garden's only visitor in a decade, would know. Mary is struck by the fact that ten years ago, she was born and the garden was locked. She wanders along the garden wall, acknowledging her newfound affection for Martha, Dickon, Martha's mother, and the robin. She attempts to communicate with the robin through bird sounds. Much to Mary's surprise, the robin leads her to a pile of fresh soil. Within it, she discovers a weathered key. The key could potentially unlock the secret garden.

Mary is resolved to find the entrance to the hidden garden. She yearns to explore this forbidden place, believing it to be a perfect hideout where she can create her own fun. This newfound determination signifies a transformation in her persona, as she used to be a passive girl in India. At Misselthwaite Manor, in the brisk air of the moor, she is beginning to engage with her surroundings and her creativity is reawakening. Despite scrutinizing the dense ivy covering the garden's stone barriers, the door eludes her, leading her back to the manor house. Once there, Martha reveals that her family was captivated by Mary's tales of India. Martha's mother, in particular, has grown very concerned for Mary and gifts her a skipping rope. Although appreciative, Mary responds formally, shaking Martha's hand instead of the customary childlike kiss. Mary steps outside to try out her new skipping rope and encounters Ben Weatherstaff and the robin. As Mary happily skips along the path with the robin, a sudden breeze shifts some of the ivy on the wall, revealing a door. Using the key she found earlier, Mary opens it and finds herself standing in the secret garden.

In the hidden garden, Mary discovers numerous large rosebushes. The garden is overgrown and desolate, having been untouched for a decade. The lack of care has turned the once vibrant flora dull and lifeless due to winter. Mary, however, hopes that not everything is dead. She feels the garden is her own, a solitary space, yet she doesn't feel lonely. She spots a few green sprouts in the ground indicating life, which makes her ecstatic. To nurture these early bloomers, she busily engages in weeding around them all day. At the manor that evening, she asks Martha for gardening tools. Martha suggests that Mary write a letter to Dickon who could buy tools and seeds for her during his visit to the nearby village, Thwaite. The prospect of meeting Dickon, a boy loved even by animals, excites Mary. Martha also informs about her mother's consent to Mary's visit to their cottage, which she looks forward to, thinking Martha's mother to be different from those in India. When Martha leaves the room momentarily, Mary hears the distant crying sound again. Martha denies hearing it and leaves the room to avoid further questioning. The garden, in its mystery and grandeur, exudes a magical ambiance. Its overgrown flowers resemble "curtains", symbolizing both the concealment of mystery and the garden as a theatrical stage. This represents the garden's transformation into an "open secret" to Mary.

After her initial visit, Mary regards the secret garden as a place of magic and mystery that belongs to her. She spends her days skipping, digging, and weeding to nourish the few surviving plants. As a result, Mary is growing healthier and more sociable with each day spent at Misselthwaite. She befriends Ben Weatherstaff, and secretly seeks his gardening guidance. Ben shares that he used to care for a rose garden for a woman who "loved [roses] like they was children or robins." Mary quizzes him about the fate of abandoned roses until he abruptly leaves in a huff. Mary then heads to the woods in search of rabbits. She locates a strange whistling sound and finds a boy surrounded by animals, playing a wooden pipe. She recognizes him as Dickon Sowerby, the known animal-charmer. Although initially bashful, she warms up to him and accepts the gardening tools and seeds he's brought. The natural "clean fresh scent of heather and grass and leaves" he carries intrigues Mary, and she becomes comfortable with him, forgetting her shyness. The friendly robin also joins them. Dickon instructs Mary on caring for the seeds and requests to visit the spot she plans to plant them, offering his assistance. Mary is hesitant to reveal her secret garden, but Dickon assures her he can keep a secret. Mary boldly declares that she "stolen a garden," but it is hers and she won't give it up. Still, she decides to show him the garden.

Dickon and Mary find themselves in the secret garden, which he'd only ever heard of through Martha. He surveys the plants to figure out which are alive, commenting on how ideal the garden is for birds to nest, since there are no humans around to bother them. They start working together, tending to the plants and removing dead wood and weeds. Despite her lack of gardening knowledge, Mary's efforts impress Dickon. When he asks her about this, she simply states her love for the earth's scent. She then requests Dickon's assistance in nurturing the garden, a request he eagerly accepts. Noticing the survival of many plants, Dickon wonders if someone has been visiting the garden in the decade since Master Craven locked it up. Mary reveals her desire to cultivate bell-shaped flowers, rejecting the jingle the clergyman's children used to tease her with, "Mistress Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells, and cockle shells, And marigolds all in a row." She confesses her fondness for Dickon, asking if he and the robin feel the same way about her, which he affirms. Their gardening session is cut short for Mary's dinner time, making her anxious about never seeing Dickon again. She fears he might disappear as quickly as he showed up, much like a mythical sprite or wood-fairy. Still, she has full faith in him to keep the garden's secret.

Mary returns to the manor and shares with Martha her encounter with Dickon. She expresses her admiration for him, which amuses Martha. Mary learns that her uncle has just returned from a trip and has been scolded by Dickon and Martha's mother, Susan Sowerby, for his lack of care for Mary. This leads her uncle, Master Craven, to call for Mary before he leaves again the next day. Mary is relieved by his departure but is anxious about meeting him, thinking they'd loathe each other. Escorted by Mrs. Medlock, Mary meets Master Craven in his sitting room. She notes that he's not a hunchback but has crooked shoulders and would be attractive if it wasn't for the sadness reflected on his face. Master Craven admits forgetting about Mary and offers to hire a governess or a nurse to accompany her. Mary would rather spend her time on the moor, gaining strength before starting her studies. He agrees and upon asking if she needs anything, she asks for "a bit of earth" to garden. This request, reminding him of his late wife's gardening passion, moves Mr. Craven who then allows her to choose any piece of ground on the manor for her garden. Mary rushes to tell Martha about her uncle's approval to have a garden and visit Martha's family. Afterward, she hurries back to the secret garden hoping to find Dickon, but he's already left. She finds a note attached to a rose bush with Dickon's sketch of a bird in its nest and a vow to be back.

Awakened by the storm's relentless noise, a distraught Mary is kept awake imagining the howls of the wind as cries of a lost person. Soon, she hears a faint sobbing beneath the storm's roar. Ignoring Mrs. Medlock's orders, she explores the dark corridors of Misselthwaite until she discovers a lit room. Inside the room, Mary encounters a sickly, pale boy - Colin Craven - lying on a large bed. Initially, they both doubt each other's reality, staring silently. Colin is Master Craven's son, born the same year as Mary and when the secret garden was sealed. Colin's sickliness and resemblance to his deceased mother, whom his father is still grieving, have led to his seclusion. He hates being looked at due to the pity it draws and stays in his isolated room. However, Colin doesn't mind Mary's company, fascinated by her story. Colin lives with the constant reminder of his predicted early death, and the possibility of his doctor uncle inheriting the estate instead of him. This fear prompted his earlier crying. Upon hearing about the secret garden, Colin is intrigued, believing it could be his if he survives. However, Mary, fearing the secret becoming public, convinces Colin to keep the garden's existence a secret. Colin, who has never had a secret before, agrees to this arrangement.

Another rainy day finds Mary informing Martha about her encounter with Colin. Martha panics, expecting to lose her job since she dozed off while supposed to be watching Colin's room, hence allowing Mary to sneak in. Mary soothes her, stating that Colin won't allow her to be fired. Martha shares her fear of Colin, explaining his power over the servants since they rely on him for survival. She's surprised when Mary mentions Colin wants to see her daily, given his known aversion to strangers. Mary denies using any sort of spell on Colin. Martha responds that everyone must obey Colin, right before being called to his room. Colin requests to see Mary. Eager to meet him, though not as much as she is to see Dickon, Mary agrees. In his luxurious room, Mary compares Colin to a young king she saw in India whose servants obeyed his every command under threat of death. She contrasts him with Dickon, who has the power to charm animals. Mary suggests that Dickon's love for the moor could inspire the same feelings in Colin, but he dismisses the idea due to his poor health. Mary doesn’t sympathize with his talk of sickness and death, asserting they don't have to die just because others want them to. Colin reveals that a doctor from London didn't think he would die. He stated Colin would survive if he could decide to. Mary thinks that Dickon's visit could inspire Colin to choose life. They shift their conversation towards Dickon and his family, hinting at their child-like natures. Colin's uncle, Dr. Craven, and Mrs. Medlock walk in, taken back at seeing them together. Colin asserts his decision of friendship with Mary, declaring they will meet as per their wishes. Dr. Craven reminds Colin of his illness, to which Colin replies that Mary's visits help him forget his ailment.

Following a rainy week and constant companionship with Colin, Mary finally goes back to her secret garden. She realizes Colin isn't as sickly when he's entertained or doing something. Mrs. Medlock, though annoyed by Mary's deceit, is happy that Mary's frequent visits have brightened Colin. This improvement has made the household staff joyful, dubbing Mary as another nurse. Mary has been careful not to reveal much about the garden to Colin, unsure of his trustworthiness. She also wonders if she can sneak Colin into the garden for some much-needed sunlight and fresh air. After all, it has done wonders for her health and demeanor ever since she came to England. She also believes that Colin meeting Dickon and the robin would be beneficial. Colin has agreed to meeting Dickon, commenting, "He's a sort of animal charmer and [Colin is] a boy animal." Mary's return to the garden is marked by the arrival of spring on the moor. The plants are sprouting, and the air is filled with birdsong. Dickon is already there with his pet crow, Soot, and his pet fox, Captain. Mary is delighted to see blooming crocuses, and kisses them, surprising Dickon. When Mary explains how a flower's kiss differs from a person's, Dickon shares how he kisses his mother with the same purity of joy. As they explore the garden, they see the robin red breast building a nest. To not scare him, Mary and Dickon stay still, like trees. Mary confides in Dickon about her newfound friendship with Colin. Dickon is relieved that he doesn't need to hide Colin's existence from Mary anymore, as he hates keeping secrets. Everyone in Thwaite village is aware of Colin, but out of respect for Mr. Craven, they avoid discussing him. Dickon reveals that Mr. Craven can't bear to look at Colin because he so closely resembles his late wife. Colin doesn't want to die, he wishes he was never born as he feels his father doesn't love him. Dickon believes Colin will never recover if he continues to only think about his illness and death. Dickon suggests that if Colin could visit the garden, he could anticipate the flowers blossoming, instead of his health deteriorating. Both Dickon and Mary commit to finding a way to sneak Colin into the garden.

After returning to the manor for lunch, Mary learns from Martha that Colin is eager for her company. However, Mary insists she doesn't have time as Dickon is waiting for her in the garden. Martha cautions her that Colin may throw a fit if she ignores him. When Mary returns to her room, Martha informs her that Colin is on the verge of a tantrum. Mary, irritated, fails to realize her craving for Dickon's company is as selfish as Colin's demand for her attention. She visits Colin and finds him lying motionless on his bed, a worrying sight as he had been starting to sit up on the divan, a better position for his weak back. Threatening to ban Dickon from Misselthwaite if Mary chooses him over Colin, Colin stirs Mary's fury. She warns Colin that she will never speak to him again if he meddles with her friendship with Dickon. An argument ensues over Dickon, with Colin belittling him as common, while Mary defends him, stating he is "a thousand times better than a common rajah." This quarrel is a first for Colin. When Colin brings up his impending death, Mary rebukes him for seeking attention and sympathy. She leaves the room angrily, passing Colin's amused nurse in the hallway. In her room, she finds gifts from Master Craven, including picture books, games, and a golden pen with an inkstand, which delights her. As she considers sharing her presents with Colin, she recalls his admission that he experiences his hysterical fits when he fears a lump forming on his back, especially when he is upset or fatigued. She wonders if he had been obsessing over his deformity and death while waiting for her. She decides to possibly visit him the following morning.

Mary wakes up one night due to Colin's distant crying and wailing. At first, she's scared but then grows angry at his ongoing tantrum. Colin's nurse pleads Mary to calm him or at least divert his attention, fearing he might harm himself. The adults in the manor are looking at Mary for help, assuming she's tougher than Colin. In her own anger, Mary storms into Colin's room, expressing her hatred and wishing he'd scream to death. Colin, shocked, stops wailing and just stares at her. He shares his fear of developing a hump on his back and dying soon. Mary dismisses his fear, asking to see his back. Reluctantly, Colin shows her his back. Mary finds nothing wrong, and assures him his back is perfectly fine, threatening to ridicule if he insists otherwise. This changes Colin's perspective, as he's always been told about his frailty and imminent death. Mary is the first to hint that his sickness might be all in his head. Colin proposes a deal. He'd venture outside for fresh air if Mary and Dickon accompany him. Mary agrees to his condition, and successfully soothes him to sleep with a tale of the secret garden.

Rising late, Mary learns from Martha that Colin wishes to meet her, but doesn't demand it, marking a significant change in him. Mary briefly meets Colin to tell him about possibly discovering the secret garden, before hurrying off to find Dickon. In the garden, she finds Dickon with his animal companions: a fox, a crow, a moor pony named Jump, and two squirrels called Nut and Shell. Mary shares the incident of Colin's outburst with Dickon, who becomes even more enthusiastic about bringing Colin to the garden. Mary, in Yorkshire dialect, suggests he first visit Colin in the mansion with his pets, to which Dickon concurs. Returning to the mansion, Mary informs Colin about the plan. They discuss their shared loneliness, as they have always been disliked by others and reciprocated that dislike. However, they acknowledge their changing attitudes, as they are beginning to appreciate each other, Dickon, and the robin. Finally, Mary trusts Colin enough to reveal that she and Dickon have accessed the secret garden, suggesting that he might soon join them.

Dr. Craven comes to check on Colin after his outburst and learns from Mrs. Medlock about Mary's positive influence on him. They find Colin in high spirits, interacting enthusiastically with Mary. Although concerned about Colin's planned outdoor excursion, Dr. Craven is reassured when he learns Dickon will also be present, as Dickon is renowned for his strength and dependability. Colin insists that Mary's company helps him forget his sickness, which in turn makes him feel better. Mrs. Medlock shares these updates with Susan Sowerby, who commends the importance of children socializing with other children. Back in Colin's room, Mary opens the windows to let in fresh spring air and shares how the moor's air gives Dickon a sense of eternal life. This idea fascinates Colin, who is also intrigued by Mary's description of new spring plants and the motherless lamb Dickon found. As they have breakfast in Colin's room, Colin tells the servants to expect a visit from Dickon and his animals that afternoon. Sure enough, Dickon arrives, complete with squirrels on his shoulders, a fox and crow trailing him, and a lamb in his arms, leaving Colin in awe. Despite his informal attire, Dickon is comfortable in the manor. Together, the children discuss the garden and plan to take Colin there.

After a week of unfavorable weather, Colin finally prepares for his trip outside. Despite not being able to leave his room, Colin stays connected to the happenings of the garden and spring's progress through Dickon's daily updates. Ensuring the garden remains a secret, the children strategize on how to transport Colin without revealing its location. Colin orders head gardener Mr. Roach to ensure no one approaches the garden's vicinity, revealing his plans of an afternoon visit. Outside Colin's room, Mr. Roach praises his authoritative demeanor, and Mrs. Medlock hopes Mary's influence will balance this trait, reminding Colin that he doesn't own everything. Over lunch, Colin shares his excitement about witnessing spring for the first time, with Mary confessing she too had never experienced it before arriving at Misselthwaite due to India's lack of spring. Following lunch, Colin is dressed by his nurse and taken outside in a wheeled chair by a footman. Enthralled by the green scenery and fragrant flowers, Colin is led towards the secret garden. Mary points out the various places from her moor stories along the way. Overwhelmed by the garden's beauty, Colin's pale complexion turns pink as though he is coming to life. Overjoyed, he declares his intention to recover and "live forever and ever and ever."

Within the garden, Mary and Dickon converse in the Yorkshire dialect. Colin, for his first time, partakes in their conversation. He considers whether the garden's splendor was somehow meant for him. As Mary and Dickon share the garden's wonders with him, they falter when he inquires about the large gray tree where his mother had her fatal fall. Dickon suggests that soon roses will cover the tree, transforming its grim history into a beautiful sight. A serendipitous appearance by the robin diverts Colin's attention from the tree. Dickon's mother, Mrs. Sowerby, has a hunch that Colin's mother's spirit remains in the garden, guiding her son. Mary privately agrees, attributing it to the "Magic" that she thinks Dickon infuses into everything around him. Colin announces his plans to visit the garden daily and eventually walk and work there independently. Unexpectedly, they see a shocked Ben Weatherstaff peering over the garden wall, surprised to find the children in the previously locked space. Upon seeing Colin, he refers to him as "the poor cripple," questioning his physical condition. Outraged, Colin stands up from his chair, insisting that Ben observe his physical wellness. He then invites Ben to join them in the garden to continue their conversation.

Mary hurries to greet Ben Weatherstaff, leaving Dickon and Colin behind in the garden. Colin queries Dickon about the magical ability that allows him to stand upright. Dickon clarifies that it's not his unique magic, but the universal Magic that nurtures the flowers. On her way back to the garden, Mary whispers words of support to Colin, believing this to also be an aspect of Magic. Ben Weatherstaff finds Colin standing upright when he enters the garden, though Colin is subtly leaning against a tree for support. Ben Weatherstaff informs Colin that his job at Misselthwaite was saved due to Mistress Craven's fondness for him. He also reveals to the children that he has been visiting the garden secretly once a year for a decade, as per Mistress Craven's request to maintain it if she was unable to. He has faithfully followed her instructions, in spite of the locked entrance. Colin asserts that the garden is now his, but he is willing to allow the old man to visit, on the condition that Ben keeps the secret. Colin concludes the day by planting a rose in the garden, symbolically claiming it as his own.

Dr. Craven anticipates the arrival of Colin and Mary at Misselthwaite. Mary is shocked by Colin's disrespectful manner towards the doctor and decides to enlighten him about his behavior. She suggests that his unpleasant traits are a result of people treating him like a miserable victim and always letting him have his way. Colin, surprised by Mary's honesty, vows to change his ways with the help of the "white Magic" from the secret garden. The garden becomes the haven for Mary, Colin, Dickon, and Ben Weatherstaff, where they spend their days tracking the progress of springtime. Colin and Dickon are captivated by the development of the flora and fauna in the garden. Pursuing his aspiration of becoming a distinguished scientist, Colin starts investigating the concept of Magic. He gathers his friends to share his notions about Magic, asserting its omnipresence and the potential to harness it. He believes fervently repeating his desires will channelize this Magic and help him regain his health. In a ritualistic gathering under a tree, all four sit cross-legged while Colin recites his wishes repeatedly. He then parades around the garden to feel his increasing strength, trailed by Mary, Dickon, Ben, and Dickon's animals. Colin plans to maintain his recovering health a secret, intending to astound his father with his newfound vitality upon his return.

While caring for his garden in the evenings, Dickon shares with his mother, Susan Sowerby, the happenings at the manor. Trusting Mrs. Sowerby, the children decide to let her in on their secret. They inform her of the clever act Mary and Colin put up to keep Colin's progress under wraps. A new issue arose, though: increased appetites without drawing attention at the manor. To help them, Mrs. Sowerby decides to provide them with fresh milk and bread. In return, Mary and Colin send her money for fresh potatoes and eggs, which they then cook on the moor. The children persist in their "magic" rituals, sitting together daily as Colin talks about magic's healing powers. To help Colin get stronger, Dickon gets a workout regimen from Yorkshire's top wrestler. As they follow the routine, Colin's health improves rapidly, making it harder to maintain his sickly act.

The chapter focuses on the robin redbreast watching the children's excitements in the garden. Its mate and it are nesting, anticipating their eggs to hatch during early spring. Colin and Mary are forced to remain inside when it rains. Inspired by Mary, they start discovering the mansion's numerous rooms. Mary's transformation due to the garden and spring is so profound that she no longer resembles the girl in the portrait with the parrot, turning rather attractive. Mary observes the pink curtain in Colin's room has been withdrawn, exposing his mother's portrait. Colin shares that his room was "filled with Magic" earlier, causing him to unveil the curtain. Being healthy now, he perceives her laughter as a silent blessing. Mary points out Colin's resemblance to his mother, as if he is "her ghost made into a boy." This notion deeply resonates with Colin, hinting at possible affection from his father.

As Colin speaks in the garden, Ben Weatherstaff admires his strength and resemblance to his mother. Colin shares his successful experiment and plans to pen a book about magic. In a burst of joy at his own recovery, he proclaims his immortality. Suggested by Ben, Colin sings a hymn of gratitude, the Doxology, which Dickon and his mother believe is sung by skylarks. Colin interprets the song as a symbol of his gratitude towards magic, even linking God and magic together. Just then, Mrs. Sowerby appears. Dickon rushes to his mother, a serene woman in a blue cloak. She's struck by Colin's resemblance to his mother and showers him with affection, even calling him 'lad'. She warmly embraces Mary, comparing her to her own daughters. The children show her around the secret garden, both feeling comforted by her presence. Colin questions her belief in magic. Mrs. Sowerby admits she believes in it, referring to it as the 'Big Good Thing' or the 'Joy Maker'. The group plans to visit her cottage and she hopes that Master Craven will return soon to witness his son's transformation. Colin wishes she was his mother, causing her to assure him that his own mother's spirit is in the garden.

The tale reflects on the power of positivity, likening thoughts to sunlight or poison. It highlights the transformation of Colin and Mary due to their optimistic outlook, while contrasting Master Craven's continuous grief. Encased in his pain, Master Craven is found in the Austrian Tyrol, neglecting his responsibilities. Initially, his sorrow remains untouched by the surrounding natural beauty until he finds solace in a cluster of forget-me-nots. This encounter with nature brings him back to life, mirroring the revival of the garden at Misselthwaite. His journey to recovery continues in Italy at Lake Como. There, he dreams of his late wife urging him to return home to their garden. A letter from Susan Sowerby the following day reinforces this message, instructing him to return home immediately to see Colin, without further explanation. Hence, he travels back to England, reflecting on his past mistakes concerning his son. On reaching the moor, he stops by Susan Sowerby's to leave a small gift for her children before heading to the manor and the garden to find Colin. He is surprised to hear the laughter of children from beyond the garden. The door then opens and a healthy Colin rushes into his father's arms. Overjoyed, Master Craven asks Colin to show him the garden. Colin then narrates the tale of the garden's rediscovery and revival. The trio - Colin, Mary, and Master Craven - return to the manor, leaving everyone astonished by Master Craven's joy and Colin's newfound vitality.

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The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, Book Review

Initial thoughts on the secret garden by frances hodgson burnett.

The natural order of life is for people to grow, evolve, and have the ability to adapt to change. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett  is really about the transformative power of finding “passion” which gives meaning to life. The author’s writing is very vivid, and the words jump off the pages and transport readers into the story where they become a participant versus a passive observer.

What is The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett About?

First published in 1911, The Secret Garden is a story about 10-year old Mary Lennox, a self-absorbed, sour and sickly girl who becomes an orphan when a cholera epidemic kills her parents and the staff at their home in India. Mary is sent to Misselthwaite Manor in the United Kingdom to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven who is still grieving 10 years after his wife’s death. Shortly after Mary’s arrival, Archibald leaves on a journey to heal his aching and grieving heart.

At the Manor, chambermaid Martha is the only one who has time for Mary, and she regales the child with tales about living on the moor. Martha also talks about her brother Dickon Sowerby , a spirited lad with a kind disposition, who has a “green thumb” and the unique ability to charm animals. After hearing about Dickon, Mary is fascinated and wants to meet him.

One day while exploring the grounds at the Manor, Mary finds the key to the Secret Garden which she has heard about. Everyone is banned from entering the garden, but Mary who has always been accustomed to getting her own way, enters the garden. Her transformation begins immediately. Later, she meets Dickon and shares her secret with him. Together they sneak into the Garden each day and work hard at restoration by pruning and planting new flowers. Doing something that she cares about, Mary gets stronger and her sickness starts to disappear. Because her life now has meaning, she becomes a nicer person and her sourly nature starts to fade.

One night while in her bedroom, she hears weeping and decides to investigate. She discovers her 10 year cousin Colin Craven who is confined to his bedroom because he refuses to go outside. Colin is convinced that he has a disability and is going to die very soon.

“Mary stood near the door with her candle in her hand, holding her breath. Then she crept across the room, and as she drew nearer the light attracted the boy’s attention and he turned his head on his pillow and stared at her, his grey eyes opening so wide that they seemed immense. ‘Who are you?” he said at last in a half-frightened whisper. ‘Are you a ghost?’ ‘No, I am not,” Mary answered, her own whisper sounding half-frightened. ‘Are you One?’… ‘No,’ he replied after waiting a moment or so. ‘I am Colin.’ ‘Who is Colin?’ she faltered. ‘I am Colin Craven. Who are you?’ ‘I am Mary Lennox. Mr. Craven is my uncle.’ ‘He is my father,’ said the boy. ‘Your father!’ gasped Mary. ‘No one ever told me he had a boy! Why didn’t they?’”

Like any other relationship, this one has its ups and downs, but the two cousins develop a bond. When Mary feels that she can trust Colin she tells him about the Garden. Together Mary, Colin and Dickon go to the Garden each day to work.

As the story unfolds, the transformative power of the Garden spreads to Mary and Colin, and, as the Garden comes to life, so do Mary and Colin. Both regain their strength and health and Colin no longer needs his wheelchair. Not only is their health restored through the transformation, but they learn the importance of appreciation and showing consideration for others. What seemed impossible now becomes possible.

Five Great Ideas from The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett

• “You learn things by saying them over and over and thinking about them until they stay in your mind forever…”
• “The beginning is just to say nice things are going to happen until you make them happen.”
• Make life meaningful by doing work that you are passionate about. Live each day as if it were your last
• Everyone wants to be liked, appreciated and wanted. People also want to feel like they are a part of something bigger than themselves
• To receive compassion you have to be compassionate and to earn respect you have to respect others

Final Thoughts on The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett

If you are a fan of Frances Hodgson Burnett, below you will find some biographies and more books by her.

Frances Hodgson Burnett Biography

Books by Frances Hodgson Burnett

About the Author  Avil Beckford

Hello there! I am Avil Beckford, the founder of The Invisible Mentor. I am also a published author, writer, expert interviewer host of The One Problem Podcast and MoreReads Success Blueprint, a movement to help participants learn in-demand skills for future jobs. Sign-up for MoreReads: Blueprint to Change the World today! In the meantime, Please support me by buying my e-books Visit My Shop , and thank you for connecting with me on LinkedIn , Facebook , Twitter and Pinterest !

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The Secret Garden , novel for children written by American author Frances Hodgson Burnett and published in book form in 1911 (having previously been serialized in The American Magazine ). The pastoral story of self-healing became a classic of children’s literature and is considered to be among Burnett’s best work.

The novel centres on Mary Lennox, who is living in India with her wealthy British family. She is a selfish and disagreeable 10-year-old girl who has been spoiled by her servants and neglected by her unloving parents. When a cholera epidemic kills her parents and the servants, Mary is orphaned. After a brief stay with the family of an English clergyman, she is sent to England to live with a widowed uncle, Archibald Craven , at his huge Yorkshire estate, Misselthwaite Manor. Her uncle is rarely at Misselthwaite, however. Mary is brought to the estate by the head housekeeper, the fastidious Mrs. Medlock, who shuts her into a room and tells her not to explore the house.

Mary is put off when she finds that the chambermaid, Martha, is not as servile as the servants in India. But she is intrigued by Martha’s stories about her own family, particularly those about her 12-year-old brother, Dickon, who has a nearly magical way with animals. When Martha mentions the late Mrs. Craven’s walled garden, which was locked 10 years earlier by the uncle upon his wife’s death, Mary is determined to find it. She spends the next few weeks wandering the grounds and talking to the elderly gardener, Ben Weatherstaff. One day, while following a friendly robin, Mary discovers an old key that she thinks may open the locked garden. Shortly thereafter, she spots the door in the garden wall, and she lets herself into the secret garden. She finds that it is overgrown with dormant rose bushes and vines (it is winter), but she spots some green shoots, and she begins clearing and weeding in that area.

Mary continues to tend the garden. Her interaction with nature spurs a transformation: she becomes kinder, more considerate, and outgoing. One day she encounters Dickon, and he begins helping her in the secret garden. Mary later uncovers the source of the strange sounds she has been hearing in the mansion: they are the cries of her supposedly sick and crippled 10-year-old cousin, her uncle’s son Colin, who has been confined to the house and tended to by servants. He and Mary become friends, and she discovers that Colin does not have a spinal deformation, as he has believed. Dickon and Mary take Colin to see the garden, and there he discovers that he is able to stand. The three children explore the garden together and plant seeds to revitalize it, and through their friendship and interactions with nature they grow healthier and happier. When her uncle returns and sees the amazing transformation that has occurred to his son and his formerly abandoned garden now in bloom, he embraces his family, as well as their rejuvenated outlook on life.

This tale of transformation is an exaltation of nature and its effects on the human spirit. The physical and spiritual healing that Mary and Colin experience in the garden is mirrored in the seasons: it is winter when Mary discovers the garden; they begin working in spring and fully recover in summer; and Archibald Craven returns to find his son and the garden both healthy in the fall. In addition, Burnett’s interest in the theories of Christian Science and theosophy are reflected in the way that the children are healed, not only through contact with nature and with each other but also through positive thinking.

The Secret Garden was adapted for screen, television, and stage. The British Broadcasting Corporation aired three popular television adaptations (1952, 1960, and 1975). Notable film versions were produced in 1949 and in 1993 (with Maggie Smith as Mrs. Medlock), and the story was performed as a Broadway musical (1991–93).

Michelle P.

“the secret garden” book report.

The novel “The Secret Garden” was written by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The main characters are Mary, Martha, Dickon, Colin, Mr. Craven, Ben Weatherstaff, and the robin. The beginning of the novel takes place in India, but most of it takes place in the Misselthwaite Manor and in the secret garden.

“The Secret Garden” begins with an outbreak of fatal cholera in the area where Mary lives in India. Her parents die of cholera, and Mary is taken to England to live with her gloomy hunchback uncle, Archibald Craven, in the Misselthwaite Manor. There, she meets Martha, a maid that takes care of her. Mary begins as a disrespectful, spoiled, and weak child. Later on, with the air of the moor and by exercising with a jump rope Martha’s mother sent her, Mary becomes stronger.

While walking in the gardens, Mary meets a gardener named Ben Weatherstaff, whose only friend is a robin. She learns about a garden that has been locked for ten years, and the key buried. It was locked after Mr. Craven’s wife died. The robin shows Mary where the key is hidden, and after searching for days, she finds the door. Mary secretly spends time in the garden, digging and weeding. Mary meets Dickon, Martha’s brother, who seems to be an animal charmer. All animals love him and hide nothing from him. Mary shows him the secret garden, and Dickon brings her some gardening tools and they plant flowers and tend to the garden.

There are cries in the hallway, and Mary asks Martha about them. Martha denies that there is someone crying even after Mary has heard it three times, so Mary decides to see for herself. In the middle of the night, she wanders through the hallways until she finds the source. It is Mr. Craven’s son, Colin. Nobody told Mary about Colin because he disliked being looked at. Colin has been told, and believes, that he will die, and that he will be a hunchback if he ever lives to grow. Colin hates almost everything, and will not leave his room. He cannot even walk.

Mary befriends Colin and tells him about the garden, and he decides to go there. Colin, Mary, and Dickon go to the garden alone every day, and Colin gets stronger. He stops having tantrums, and eventually is able to walk. The secret garden convinces Colin that he will live, and he will not be a hunchback. All of this is kept a secret from everyone but the children and Ben Weatherstaff.

The novel ends with Mr. Craven coming home and walking out to the garden to find Colin running around. The two walk back to the manor together, both walking, surprising all the people there.

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The Secret Garden

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By Katherine Kearns , based on child development research. How do we rate?

Classic novel inspires love of nature.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Frances Hodgson Burnett's The Secret Garden is a beautifully written book about two selfish, disagreeable English cousins -- Mary and Colin -- whose lives and dispositions are transformed when they find their way into a locked, walled garden. Friendship and the restorative powers of…

Why Age 9+?

Racist references to "the blacks" (i.e. natives of India).

Early in the book, Mary drinks a glass of wine that an adult left unfinished; it

Mary recalls that when she lived in India, she slapped her Ayah (nursemaid) when

Any Positive Content?

Like gardens, children need lots of care, fresh air, and sunshine to blossom. Fr

Martha and her mother's easy, down-to-earth ways help Mary develop her love of n

Readers will learn the names of plants and flowers (rose, lilac, daffodil, crocu

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Early in the book, Mary drinks a glass of wine that an adult left unfinished; it puts her to sleep. Ben Weatherstaff tells the children about a man who went to the pub and got "drunk as a lord."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Violence & Scariness

Mary recalls that when she lived in India, she slapped her Ayah (nursemaid) whenever she was angry. Ben Weatherstaff talks about a man who got drunk and beat his wife. Mary's parents die early in the book, leaving her orphaned. Characters argue.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Positive Messages

Like gardens, children need lots of care, fresh air, and sunshine to blossom. Friendship and nature are healing, as is learning to take care of yourself.

Positive Role Models

Martha and her mother's easy, down-to-earth ways help Mary develop her love of nature and compassion for other creatures. Dickon (age 12) also sets a nice example, especially for boys, with his love and respect, and almost magical affinity, for all living things. Colin and Mary both grow in significant ways over the course of the story, changing from being selfish and demanding to generous, open, and supportive. Mary's experiences in India reflect the country's history as a place that was unjustly colonized; she speaks about the people there in a patronizing, racist way.

Educational Value

Readers will learn the names of plants and flowers (rose, lilac, daffodil, crocus, etc.), the difference between seeds and bulbs, and how to tell when a dormant plant is coming back to life in spring. They'll also learn a bit about the lifestyle of English aristocrats at the turn of the 20th century and how poorly colonizers treated India and its people.

Parents need to know that Frances Hodgson Burnett 's The Secret Garden is a beautifully written book about two selfish, disagreeable English cousins -- Mary and Colin -- whose lives and dispositions are transformed when they find their way into a locked, walled garden. Friendship and the restorative powers of nature help the children gain good spirits and health. For generations, this 1909 novel has inspired a love of nature and simple pleasures in young readers. That said, it includes some racist ideas about class, colonization, and Indian people. Indians are referred to as "natives" and "blacks," and Mary is angry and insulted when she's compared to them. Mary also takes an unkind, superior attitude toward servants and recalls losing her temper and slapping her Ayah (Indian nursemaid). Early in the novel, Mary's parents and many servants in the household die of cholera, leaving 10-year-old Mary alone. With no one to care for her, Mary becomes thirsty, drinks an abandoned glass of wine from her parents' dining table, and goes to sleep. Alcohol is mentioned again when the groundskeeper at Misselthwaite manor, Ben Weatherstaff, talks about another man being "drunk as a lord" and beating his wife. The Secret Garden has been made into a few different movie versions, including a 2020 adaptation starring Dixie Egerickx as Mary and Colin Firth as her uncle.

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Based on 14 parent reviews

Classic, but beware is a product of its time

What's the story.

Francis Hodgson Burnett's classic novel THE SECRET GARDEN begins in India, which at the turn of the 20th century was still part of the British Empire. Ten-year-old Mary Lennox has been living there with her parents, though her father is rarely present and her mother is most interested in dinner parties, so Mary's main caretaker has been her Ayah (nursemaid). Mary's parents and many of the servants in their household die of cholera, and the adults who survive flee the house, leaving Mary alone and unaware of what has happened. She's later discovered and sent to live with her uncle at Misselthwaite Manor, where she's rude to the household staff. She's at once spoiled and lost in a world of new customs and expectations. However, she's encouraged to spend time "out of doors," and the fresh air does her good. Her appetite begins to improve, and so does her temperament. She really turns a corner when she meets Dickon, the younger brother of one of the housemaids. Dickon has an innate, almost magical, connection to the natural world, and he inspires in Mary a fascination with plants and animals. Meanwhile, Mary discovers there's another child living in the house: a boy whose foul disposition reminds her of her former self. Mary shares with her new friends the story she's heard about a secret walled garden that was locked 10 years ago, after a tragedy occurred there. When Mary finds the long-buried key to the garden, the children set about bringing it back to life, and they blossom right along with it.

so monstrously spoiled that no one can stand them and they can hardly stand themselves. With the help of a boy of the moors and some natural magic, they discover an abandoned garden and return it to abundance. As the garden grows the children grow -- into their own better selves.

Is It Any Good?

For generations, this wonderful novel has inspired young readers to appreciate simple earthly pleasures like skipping rope, planting seeds and watching plants grow, and coming home to a hot meal. At the same time, The Secret Garden appeals to children's imaginations with its mysteries of cries in the night and the secret walled garden. Readers will also be entertained by Mary and Colin's bratty behavior, and then their growing friendship.

Though some characters express outdated and/or racist attitudes, readers are meant to understand that unkindness and disrespect are wrong. It also makes the novel ripe for discussing colonialist prejudice. And the story intriguingly equates nurturing the neglected garden with restoring the health and vibrancy of the youngsters. This classic has been made into a few film versions , including a 2020 adaptation directed by Marc Munden.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the two cousins in The Secret Garden . Why are Mary and Colin so disagreeable at first? What helps them behave better?

What are some things that Mary and Colin have in common?

What would you grow in your own garden if you had one?

Book Details

• Author : Frances Hodgson Burnett
• Illustrator : Tasha Tudor
• Genre : Fantasy
• Topics : Friendship , Science and Nature
• Book type : Fiction
• Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
• Publication date : January 1, 1911
• Number of pages : 368
• Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
• Last updated : September 25, 2020

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Secret Garden, The - Study Guide

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Grade Range: 6-8

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Lewis Carroll Shelf Award • ALA Booklist Editors' Choice: Media (audio book) • #51 on the Big Read List (UK’s top 200) • Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children • School Library Journal All-time Children’s novels

Mary Lennox lives in India and grows up with her Ayah (an Indian nursemaid) waiting on her hand and foot, becoming spoiled and tyrannical. After a cholera epidemic leaves Mary as the only survivor, she is sent to England to live with her uncle, Mr. Archibald Craven, a hunchbacked recluse - and her only living relative. When Mary arrives at Misselthwaite Manor she meets Martha, a kindly, down-to-earth servant, and one of twelve children from a neighboring farm across the moor. Mary befriends Martha's brother, Dickon who loves animals and the moor. When she discovers another boy in the mansion who cries in the night, and then discovers a locked garden in dire need of a gardener, her life and those of all around her are about to change.

Progeny Press English/Language Arts curriculum provides your Middle School grade student with:

About the Author:  Learn about Frances Hodgson Burnett. Background Information:  British colonies. Vocabulary: Understand words used throughout the novel, utilizing a variety of activities to stimulate retention and growth Literary Techniques:  Antonym, setting, mood, characterization, personality traits, synonyms, dialect, dictionary, similes, metaphors, point of view, theme, tone.  Moral Lessons and Character Values:  Trust God, authority, loneliness, do good, work, fruits of the Spirit, anxiety, friendship, immortality, savior, healing, God in control, magic, God's word, Doxology, praise God.  Activities and Writing Assignments:   Writing, research, mapwork, art, England, poster, gardening, field trips. Suggestions for Further Reading:    We include a wonderful reading list of more books by the same author(s) and other books that tie in with, or are similar to, 

All of Progeny Press' Language Arts unit lessons are written from a Christian worldview!

Features and Benefits of a Progeny Press ELA study guide

Printed Workbook Format

• Large 8.5x11 format is convenient to read and easy on Middle School student's eyes
• Every question in our novel unit study has plenty of whitespace for middle school level student answers
• Encourages neat and clean handwriting practice
• Easily transports without the need for a laptop or other expensive equipment
• Provides a permanent record of the middle school student’s work
• Complete, removable answer key included for the teacher to make grading simple!
• Contains the complete study guide in universally compatible PDF format (works on Mac AND Windows)
• No costly software purchases necessary
• PDf files open in the FREE Adobe Reader program. Note: Mobile devices may require an alternative app that supports and saves fillable form fields and interactive features.
• Upgraded, fillable form fields allow the student the opportunity to complete their work on the computer, saving you printing costs
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• Print the whole ELA study guide at once
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• Print multiple copies of the entire curriculum study guide for classroom sets
• PDF format makes it easy to use with multiple students
• Complete answer key PDF file included for the teacher to make grading simple!

Formatted with your Middle School grade student in mind, Progeny Press language arts study guides divide the book into writing assignments and lessons that strengthen their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and refine their critical analysis and writing skills. Each Progeny Press novel study accomplishes all of this without busy work that can drain the fun out of reading and literature! Kids have loved using Progeny Press ELA curriculum in homeschool, co-ops, and private schools around the world for over 30 years!

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Secret Garden Study Guide *OLD FORMAT OR DAMAGED*

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The Secret Garden Sample

This page features a sample of The Secret Garden , adapted for children aged ten and above by Books for Learning.

The door of her room was ajar 1 and the sound came down the corridor, a far-off, faint sound of fretful 2 crying. She felt as if she must find out what it was.

There was a candle by her bedside and she took it up and went softly out of the room. The corridor looked very long and dark, so she went on with her dim light, almost feeling her way, her heart beating so loud that she fancied she could hear it. The far-off crying led her. At the end of the passage she turned left, climbed two broad steps, then turned right, until she found the door she had seen earlier. She could see a glimmer of light coming from beneath it, and the crying was definitely coming from inside this room.

Mary took a deep breath, then turned the door handle. She pushed the door open, very gently, and looked inside. Then she almost gasped—for there, lying on a bed, was a boy, crying fretfully. The boy turned his head on his pillow, startled, and stared at her fearfully.

‘Who are you?’ he said at last in a half-frightened whisper. ‘Are you a ghost?’

‘No,’ Mary whispered, also a little frightened. ‘Are you one?’

The boy stared and stared. ‘No,’ he replied at last. ‘I am Colin.’

‘Who is Colin?’ she faltered.

‘I am Colin Craven. Who are you?’

Mary came fully into the room. ‘I am Mary Lennox. Mr Craven is my uncle.’

‘He is my father,’ said the boy.

‘Your father!’ gasped Mary. ‘No one ever told me he had a boy! Why didn’t they?’

‘I won’t let people see me and talk about me.’

‘Why?’ Mary asked again, feeling more mystified every moment.

‘Because I am always ill. The servants are not allowed to speak about me. If I live I may be a hunchback, but I shan’t live. I am going to die.’

‘How do you know?’ said Mary.

‘I have been sick since I was born, and everyone thinks I won’t live. My doctor does not think I will live.’

‘Do you always stay in this room?’

‘I stay in this room because I don’t want to be moved out of it. It tires me too much. I hate to go out because people stare at me. And I hate fresh air. It makes me sick.’

‘Does your father come and see you?’ Mary ventured.

• ajar —slightly open.
• fretful —upset or miserable.

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