
In a modest London home, a mother of nine juggles the endless demands of caring for her bustling brood. When her youngest daughter Cherry pleads for a new pair of shoes for her brother Cresswell, the simple request opens a window onto the family’s tight finances and the quiet determination that keeps the household afloat. Cherry’s steady hands and tidy appearance belie the strain of mending garments and stretching scarce pennies to clothe six growing boys.
Her husband, a clerk in a mercantile firm, has risen only modestly in his career, leaving the family to rely on frugal sacrifices and occasional help from a part‑time maid. Together they cling to hopes that their children will one day secure better prospects, even as they wrestle with the daily reality of limited means. The narrative captures the resilient spirit of a household striving to turn ordinary hardships into a foundation for future hope.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (262K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United Kingdom: John F. Shaw and Co., 1892.
Release date
2023-07-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1845–1939
Known for bringing astronomy and natural science to young readers, this prolific Victorian writer blended clear explanation with a strong sense of wonder. Her books ranged from popular science to children’s stories and religious fiction, making difficult ideas feel friendly and exciting.
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