Odd

Chapter 20: 'To THE MEMORY OF PRINCE, Who gave his life for his mistress, 11th August, 18—.'

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About This Book

A lively children's tale follows Betty, a quicksilver youngest of five Stuart siblings whose restless curiosity and mischief send the group on country adventures. Supervised by their nurse, the children explore woods, establish a secret cache in an old oak, split into pairs and confront gates, primroses, rabbits, and a stern elderly woman who questions Betty's trespass. Episodes progress through haymaking, daring feats, errands, and encounters with an Uncle's friend and a loyal dog named Prince, culminating in a courageous death and subsequent consolation. The episodic narrative blends outdoor exploits with gentle lessons about courage, belonging, companionship, and comfort after loss.

'To THE MEMORY OF PRINCE,
Who gave his life for his mistress, 11th August, 18—.'

'Mr. Russell had it put up,' said Molly; 'he has come over several times about it, and he said he wanted it to be kept quite a secret till you came back. Isn't it lovely?'

But Betty had no voice to answer; tears were flowing freely, and when Douglas and Molly tried to comfort her, she assured them it was only because she was so happy. They left her there shortly after, and she stood silent for some time; then her little face shone again with a soft radiance, and kneeling down on the green grass, with closed eyes, she bent her curly head, and these were the words she uttered,—

'O God, I thank You for answering my prayer, and sending me tribulation. I thank You that I'm in the text at last!'

THE END.