Plain tales, chiefly intended for the use of charity schools

This modest volume gathers a few tidy stories that follow everyday life in a London charity school. In the opening tale, two diligent pupils, Sukey and Polly, set out after school to fetch fire‑wood for their struggling mothers, discovering that a polite request and helpful spirit can turn a simple errand into a small triumph. Their resourcefulness, a kind carpenter’s guidance, and a quick fix when a torn apron threatens their work highlight perseverance and modest ambition.

Later sketches show classmates wrestling with modest wants—a cup of tea at breakfast or a better coat—each resolved with sensible counsel and gratitude. The plain language mirrors the school’s simplicity, letting listeners picture soot‑streaked yards, fresh primroses, and the steady rhythm of shared chores. Together the tales offer a warm, straightforward moral compass, ideal for those who appreciate honesty, community, and the quiet dignity of work.