
A bright‑spirited young woman named Daisy spends a lively morning at the city zoo, where she watches tigers, lions and dingoes with a mix of fascination and mischief. When a tiger snaps off the tip of her parasol, she reacts with a blend of theatrical flair and philosophical musing about the wild versus the genteel, turning a small mishap into a moment of playful rebellion. Her cousin Gladys tags along, offering steady support while quietly questioning Daisy’s impulsive choices.
The pair’s banter reveals their contrasting temperaments—Daisy’s love of fierce, untamed things and Gladys’s gentle, conventional nature. Their adventure leads them back toward an upcoming tea‑party at Aunt Alice’s house, hinting at the social expectations that await Daisy. As they ride home through blooming chestnut trees, the story captures the tension between carefree curiosity and the pull of family duties, setting the stage for further charming misadventures.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (316K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2009-05-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1867–1940
Best known for the deliciously funny Mapp and Lucia novels, this English writer mixed sharp social comedy with ghost stories, memoir, and a remarkably varied literary career. His books still charm readers with their wit, atmosphere, and close observation of small-town rivalry and human vanity.
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