A Queer Hiding-Place

Name: A Queer Hiding-Place
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth

The narrative follows Eleanor, a thirteen-year-old girl characterized by her absent-mindedness and youthful curiosity. The story begins with her interaction with her cousin Mabel and brother Fred, who remind her to deliver a pound to Theresa, their cousin, for a charitable cause. Despite her intentions, Eleanor repeatedly forgets the coin, leading to a series of humorous mishaps during dinner. As the family gathers around the table, Eleanor's fidgeting with the coin becomes a source of distraction. She spins it, examines it, and ultimately loses it after it is placed under a wine-glass. When the wine-glasses are removed for dessert, the coin goes missing, prompting a frantic search by the family. Eleanor insists she saw the coin after dessert, but it remains elusive, leading to a tense atmosphere. Mark, Theresa's brother, takes it upon himself to continue the search, demonstrating determination and resourcefulness. Eventually, he discovers the coin buried in a salt-cellar, revealing Eleanor's earlier actions of pressing it into the salt and covering it up. This incident serves as a lesson about the consequences of carelessness and the importance of being mindful of one's actions. The story encapsulates themes of childhood innocence, the challenges of growing up, and the humorous yet poignant moments that arise from everyday life. Eleanor's character development is subtle, highlighting her journey toward greater awareness and responsibility. The narrative concludes with a sense of relief and resolution, as the family reconciles the chaos caused by the lost coin, reinforcing the bonds of family and the lessons learned through their shared experiences.

By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1892 · Genre: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Slice of Life · 1,740 words

First lines

"Don't forget to give Theresa the pound from mamma," said Mabel, as she kissed her cousin Eleanor one afternoon when saying good-bye. "I must be quick; it's getting quite dark, and I was to be home early. Come along, Fred."

"You're sure you've got the pound, are you, Nelly? " asked Fred mischievously. "Mamma told Mabel about it ever so many times. She's so famous at remembering things herself, I like hearing her tell _you_ not to forget."

What this Textopian page supports

A Queer Hiding-Place is listed on Textopian as a short story by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1892 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Short story
Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
Date: 1892 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Family Drama, Slice of Life, Humor, Coming-of-Age
Length: 1,740 words
Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The story features young characters and themes suitable for a juvenile audience, focusing on their interactions and experiences.
Family Drama — The narrative revolves around familial relationships, highlighting the dynamics between siblings and parents.
Slice of Life — The plot captures everyday moments and the mundane aspects of life, emphasizing character development over action.
Humor — The story contains light-hearted elements and playful interactions that evoke amusement.