In a quaint village, a young girl named Margary lives with her mother in a charming cottage adorned with flowers and a garden. One day, while fetching water, she encounters a beautiful boy in fine clothing, who captivates her and her friends. The boy visits Margary's home, where he is warmly welcomed and fed, leading the villagers to believe he is a prince. After he departs, the village buzzes with excitement about the stranger. Days later, a dirty beggar boy arrives, claiming to be the same boy. However, the villagers dismiss him, believing he cannot be a Lindsay, a noble family known for their love of butter. Margary recognizes him and invites him in, where he shares his tragic story of being robbed and separated from his father. Margary and her mother care for him, providing food and clothing. Eventually, the boy's father, Lord Lindsay, arrives to reclaim his son, expressing gratitude to Margary and her mother. The villagers, embarrassed by their earlier mistake, learn to treat strangers with kindness. Margary grows up to be admired in the village, and in time, she marries Lord Lindsay's son, who cherishes a sprig of rosemary she gave him. Their wedding is a joyous occasion, celebrated by the entire village, and the schoolmaster, despite losing his poem about the stranger, writes a new one for the couple. The story concludes with a reflection on the importance of kindness and the bonds formed through compassion.
By Mary E. Wilkins · First published 1918 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Children's Literature, Fantasy