
In a bustling household where tea time is a ritual and the servants move like clockwork, a sudden panic spreads when the youngest member, Peterkin, disappears. His mother clutches the empty seat at the nursery table, and the household’s usual chatter gives way to hushed whispers and frantic questions. The narrative captures the immediate scramble—nurse, older siblings, and even the family’s loyal but nervous staff all join the search, each offering their own brand of reassurance and worry.
Through the eyes of the children—Clement, the dependable elder, and Elvira, the sharp‑tongued but caring sister—the story paints a vivid picture of childhood camaraderie and the anxieties of a missing child in a world that feels both safe and mysterious. As they trace Peterkin’s last steps, the reader is invited to share in the gentle suspense, the small comforts of family, and the hopeful belief that the little boy will soon be found, turning the ordinary day into an unforgettable adventure.
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (216K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow, Lindy Walsh, Emmy, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-08-15
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1839–1921
A beloved Victorian writer for children, she filled her stories with everyday magic, family feeling, and the quiet adventures of nursery life. Her books helped shape generations of young readers, especially through classics like The Cuckoo Clock and The Tapestry Room.
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