
In the golden hush of early autumn, young Philippa finds herself lingering on a porch, watching a carriage fade into the dusk. The scene is painted with quiet melancholy, the chill of evening and the soft rustle of leaves echoing her inner thoughts. Beside her, her older cousin Maida, a woman marked by hidden sorrows, offers a steady, sympathetic presence. Together they contemplate the fleeting nature of good‑byes, the way small moments can linger long after they pass.
As the night deepens, Philippa’s imagination drifts between the ordinary and the uncanny, hinted at by a mysterious cold nose that brushes her hand. The narrative gently explores how empathy can grow from personal trials, revealing Maida’s remarkable ability to feel beyond herself. Listeners are invited into a world where simple observations become portals to deeper understanding, all set against the backdrop of a quietly turning season.
Language
en
Duration
~7 hours (455K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2013-07-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

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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