The narrative follows the Dorrance family, particularly the four children—Dorothy, Lilian, Leicester, and Fairy—who express their dissatisfaction with living in a cramped boarding house. Each child articulates their longing for more space and freedom, with imaginative discussions about ideal living conditions, such as a house in Texas or a desert island. Their grandmother, Mrs. Dorrance, provides a stabilizing presence, attempting to guide their boisterous behavior while managing the challenges of communal dining with other boarders. The children’s interactions at the dinner table reveal their personalities: Leicester struggles with polite conversation, Fairy is overly talkative, and Lilian is practical. The dynamics are complicated by the presence of Mr. Bannister, a well-meaning but clumsy adult, and Mrs. Hill, a critical figure who disapproves of the children’s behavior. Despite their grievances, the Dorrance children display affection for their grandmother and a desire to uphold her dignity. The story captures the tension between childhood exuberance and the constraints of adult expectations, highlighting themes of family, imagination, and the quest for personal space.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Mystery, Detective Fiction, Suspense · 24 chapters