
Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
BY - ANNETTE LYSTER
In a humble cottage on a London street, Mrs. Eyre arrives with a gentle purpose: to find a girl who can ease the burden of a hard‑working washerwoman and her family. Through warm conversation and practical advice, she shares a simple, methodical plan for tackling endless chores, hinting at a deeper need for kindness and steady guidance in a bustling world. The scene is painted with vivid domestic details, from iron‑hot tubs to the rhythm of laundry days, inviting listeners into a slice of Victorian life where small acts of compassion can change the course of a household.
Beyond the soot‑stained kitchen, the story follows the bright‑eyed Hetty, a spirited girl whose carefree nature both delights and unsettles those around her. As she navigates school, friendships, and the expectations of adults like Mrs. Eyre and Mrs. Hardy, Hetty learns that good intentions sometimes clash with reality, and that growing up is as much about listening as it is about daring. The narrative balances humor with heartfelt moments, promising an engaging portrait of a young girl’s journey toward responsibility and self‑discovery.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (145K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
London: The Religious Tract Society, 1890.
Release date
2023-08-25
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1831–1908
A prolific Victorian writer, she is best remembered for children’s stories and family novels shaped by adventure, duty, and moral choice. Her books were widely published in the late 19th century, especially by religious and educational presses.
View all books
by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Annette Lyster

by Vinceslas-Eugène Dick