
E-text prepared by Suzanne Shell
PHILADELPHIA HENRY ALTEMUS COMPANY - Copyright, 1914, by Howard E. Altemus
In a sun‑drenched Virginia orchard, a young woman in a green gown loses herself in a book while perched among the branches of an old apple tree. The scent of ripe fruit and the lazy buzz of bees create a tranquil backdrop, but the quiet is soon broken when her cousin Eleanor arrives in a flurry, desperate to find her. Their banter reveals a close‑knit family that runs a bustling fruit farm, and hints at a lingering tension that keeps Madge from fully sharing her thoughts.
The unexpected arrival of a carriage brings strangers—Mrs. Curtis and Tom—into the picture, sparking gossip and a sense that something important is about to unfold. As Madge hurries toward the house, the orchard’s peaceful routine gives way to curiosity about the secret she carries and how it might affect the lives of those around her. Listeners are invited into a world of Southern charm, hidden feelings, and the promise of a revelation that could change everything.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (284K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2007-03-03
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Best known for the spirited Madge Morton books, this early 20th-century writer created brisk, wholesome adventures for young readers. Her stories mix friendship, travel, and a can-do sense of fun that still feels lively today.
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