A day in the country, and other stories

In this gentle collection, the first story follows four Boston girls—Maggie, Lottie, Delia and little Sallie—who hustle to Sabbath school in faded clothing, their voices loud with longing for a simple country day they’ve never known. When the teacher notices their empty hands, she urges them to pray for a chance to breathe fresh air, introducing a quiet faith that brightens their modest world. Their hopeful anticipation captures the everyday struggle of city children yearning for nature, community, and a touch of kindness.

The remaining tales continue the same warm, moral tone, offering snapshots of ordinary lives shaped by small acts of generosity, quiet courage, and the belief that even the humblest wishes can find their way to fulfillment. Listeners will discover a nostalgic portrait of late‑19th‑century life, where simple narratives reveal enduring truths about compassion, resilience, and the quiet power of prayer.