Little Frankie and His Cousin

Four‑year‑old Frankie is delighted when his six‑year‑old cousin Nelly arrives to stay with him while her parents travel to Europe. Nelly, with her pale flaxen curls and bright, quick eyes, brings a bundle of toys and a habit of sucking her thumb that her aunt hopes to end. Their nurse, Sally, and the kindly aunt Mrs. Gray set up a small bedroom for Nelly, where the children begin to explore the packed trunks of dresses, silks, and playthings.

As the toys spill onto the floor, Frankie’s imagination fuels games that turn the room into a make‑believe shop, while Nelly watches, learning patience and generosity from the adults who gently guide her. The story captures the tender moments of sibling‑like bonding, the small challenges of growing up, and the warmth of a household eager to teach kindness without stifling a child’s wonder.