
In a quiet, sun‑dappled mansion, a loyal old dog named Nero watches the world from his study doorway, ears pricked for the faintest sound of a footstep. The house hums with the soft clink of a bell and the rustle of papers, while the unseen housemaid Liddy moves unseen through hidden stairways. The opening moments feel like a whispered promise that something important is about to begin, setting a tone of gentle mystery.
Fourteen years later the same rooms are still filled with light, and the same faithful dog still patrols the corridors. On a plush sofa sit Donald, a lanky teenager with a restless energy, and Dorothy, a bright‑eyed girl whose presence seems to illuminate the space. Their quiet companionship hints at adventures that will test their courage, friendship, and the secrets hidden within the grand house and the sparkling lake beyond.
Language
en
Duration
~8 hours (471K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Suzanne Shell and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2009-05-17
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1830–1905
Best known for writing Hans Brinker, she helped shape American children's reading in the 19th century as both a popular author and a longtime magazine editor. Her work mixed warmth, imagination, and a strong belief that books for young readers should be lively and well made.
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