
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
Sep 9, 2023
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1821–1893
A prolific Victorian writer who published under the pen name “A Lady of England,” she filled her stories and poems with clear moral purpose and vivid adventure. Later in life, she left England for India, where her religious work became as central to her legacy as her books.
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