
CHAPTER I - LOST IN THE BIG CITY
CHAPTER II - THE CHILDREN’S HOME
CHAPTER III - THE FIRST NIGHT
CHAPTER IV - WHO IS CLEMATIS?
CHAPTER V - CLEMATIS BEGINS TO LEARN
CHAPTER VI - CLEMATIS HAS A HARD ROW TO HOE
CHAPTER VII - WHAT CLEMATIS FOUND
CHAPTER VIII - A VISITOR
CHAPTER IX - THE SECRET
CHAPTER X - TWO DOCTORS
In the early spring light of a bustling city, a solitary girl in a threadbare dress sits on a narrow brick sidewalk, clutching a small kitten. When a weary policeman notices her, a tentative conversation begins, revealing that she knows only one name—Clematis—and has no memory of family or home. The street scene is painted with vivid details: the scent of fresh bakery goods, the curious glances of passing children, and the harsh reality of hunger. As the officer decides to escort her toward the police station, the pair encounter the simple comforts and small dangers of urban life.
Through Clematis’s eyes, listeners are drawn into a world where survival hinges on kindness and the bond with her feline companion, Deborah. The narrative balances quiet desperation with moments of gentle humor, hinting at deeper mysteries about the girl's past. Listeners will feel the tension between the city's indifference and the fleeting compassion of strangers. The story invites reflection on belonging, resilience, and the unexpected connections that can arise in the most unlikely places.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (125K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Roger Frank and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-09-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1867–1951
A teacher and storyteller at heart, this early 20th-century American writer created children’s books that mix warmth, imagination, and a clear love of learning. She is especially remembered for writing with her husband, Ernest Cobb, on stories for young readers.
View all books1877–1964
An American educator who also wrote practical nonfiction and children’s books, often collaborating with his wife, Bertha Browning Cobb. His work ranges from gardening guides to stories for younger readers, showing an easy, useful style shaped by years in teaching.
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