
Transcriber's note: Unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed.
Armed only with a stick, he went straight up to the bear - and commenced belabouring her.
A rainy Easter weekend finds a lively group of children holed up in the quiet rooms of Ivy Lodge, their plans for outdoor adventure thwarted by relentless weather. Tom, Willy, Julia, Bella, Louis, Amy, Jessy and their shy companion Percy bicker over games, paint, and a broken draughts‑board, each eager to fill the idle hours with their own brand of excitement. Their restless chatter is gently halted when the kindly, silver‑haired Mr. Presgrave—uncle to Tom and Willy—steps into the room, his warm smile instantly soothing the fledgling tensions.
As the old man settles into his armchair, he becomes the quiet anchor for the boisterous youngsters, offering stories and a calm presence that hints at deeper values. Through their conversations and the subtle guidance of Mr. Presgrave, the children begin to confront what it truly means to act bravely, not with weapons, but with kindness and resolve. The tale unfolds as a gentle exploration of youthful spirit, friendship, and the quiet heroism that can arise in everyday moments.
Language
en
Duration
~2 hours (123K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
London: Gall & Inglis, 1877.
Release date
2023-09-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1893
Best known by the pen name A.L.O.E., this Victorian writer produced a huge range of stories and poems for children and adults, often with a clear moral purpose. Late in life, she left England for India, where her missionary work became a major part of her story.
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