
"But, Hugo dear," she said, "why did you not tell me long ago?"
CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
CHAPTER VII.
CHAPTER VIII.
CHAPTER IX.
In a sleepy village where every tea‑time becomes a tiny investigation, the arrival of the Tracey sisters’ new home sets the whole community abuzz. Residents gather at each other’s doors, swapping speculation about the purpose of the freshly laid foundation stone, the mysterious van that ferried elegant furniture, and the whispered rumors that more treasures lie hidden inside. The narrator’s keen eye captures the charm of these bustling afternoons, where curiosity and propriety mingle as freely as the tea.
Amid the chatter, characters like the ever‑busy Mrs. Lovekin, the poised Miss Ruby Tracey, and the inquisitive Miss Lydia Blind provide a lively cast, each adding their own flavor to the unfolding mystery. As the villagers peer through lace curtains and admire the new carpet and footstools, the simple act of offering a cup of tea becomes a window into the deeper secrets the cottage may hold.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (357K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
Feb 3, 2011
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1864–1916
A sharp-eyed Scottish novelist and travel writer, she moved from comedies of society into vivid firsthand writing about war, relief work, and the human cost of conflict. Her life and books carry both wit and unusual courage.
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