My friend Doggie; or, An only child

At a country lodge lives a sweet‑tempered girl whose gentle beauty charms everyone, even the rough‑handed children who call the place home. The lodge shelters eight lively youngsters, each plain in looks but rich in affection, and a shy boy named Bet who feels out of place. Though clumsy and often mocked, Bet’s kind heart draws the girl’s attention, sparking an unlikely friendship.

One crisp winter morning Bet races his new spaniel and a kitten down the avenue, only to watch a gang of older boys snatch the frightened cat and toss it like a toy. Before he can act, the girl arrives in a scarlet hat, striking the bullies with fierce courage that quiets them instantly. Together they rescue the trembling kitten, and Bet, though shaken, feels a new resolve to protect what he loves.

Their shared bravery hints at a deeper bond that will shape the seasons to come, as the lodge’s children learn that true worth lies not in looks or birthright, but in the kindness they show each other.