
A lively household of four energetic children faces an unexpected change when their parents embark on a short Southern trip, leaving them under the watchful eye of Miss Larkin—a quiet, solitary spinster eager to take charge. The Maynard youngsters—Marjorie, King, Kitty, and little Rosy Posy—are quick to voice their doubts, fearing the new governess will stifle their mischief and fun. Their spirited debates, full of witty banter and heartfelt pleas, set the stage for a comedic clash of old‑fashioned discipline and youthful exuberance.
As Miss Larkin settles in, the children scramble to balance obedience with their love of adventure, discovering that cooperation can be just as entertaining as rebellion. Through playful arguments, secret plans, and moments of unexpected kindness, the family learns to navigate the delicate dance of responsibility and freedom, promising plenty of laughs and gentle lessons for anyone who enjoys a charming, slice‑of‑life tale.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (305K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Mardi Desjardins, Waverley Dovey & the online Distributed Proofreaders Canada team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net
Release date
2017-11-19
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1862–1942
Best known for witty verse, lively children’s books, and clever mystery stories, this remarkably prolific American writer published more than 170 books. Her work ranged from nonsense rhymes to detective fiction, all marked by a playful style and an obvious love of words.
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