The Third Miss St Quentin
The narrative follows the life of a young girl, Ella St Quentin, who has been raised away from her biological family by her aunt, Mrs. Robertson. Ella is a spirited child, often feeling neglected and misunderstood, particularly in the context of her relationships with her two older half-sisters, Madelene and Ermine. The story begins with Ella suffering from a cold, showcasing her demanding nature and desire for attention, particularly from her sisters, who are preoccupied with their own lives and their mother's illness. As the plot unfolds, Ella's longing for connection and acceptance becomes evident. She feels like an outsider in her own home, especially after her sisters express their concerns about her upbringing and the influence of their father, Colonel St Quentin. The tension escalates when Ella decides to leave her aunt's home without permission, seeking refuge with her father and sisters, which leads to a series of misunderstandings and conflicts. Ella's arrival at Coombesthorpe is met with mixed reactions. While her father is initially pleased to see her, he is also concerned about her impulsive decision to leave her aunt. Madelene and Ermine, on the other hand, struggle to reconcile their feelings towards Ella, who they perceive as spoiled and demanding. The sisters' attempts to navigate their new family dynamic are complicated by their father's strict expectations and Ella's fiery temperament. The story takes a turn when Lady Cheynes, Ella's godmother, unexpectedly arrives and takes Ella to a dance at the Belvoirs' manor. This event serves as a pivotal moment for Ella, allowing her to experience joy and acceptance in a way she has longed for. However, the dance also highlights the underlying tensions within the family, as Madelene and Ermine grapple with their feelings of jealousy and protectiveness over their father's affection. As the narrative progresses, Ella's character evolves. She begins to assert herself more, challenging the expectations placed upon her by her sisters and father. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of familial relationships. Ella's journey is marked by moments of self-discovery, as she navigates her place within the St Quentin family and confronts the realities of her upbringing. Ultimately, the work delves into the intricacies of sisterhood, the impact of parental expectations, and the struggle for acceptance in a world that often feels unwelcoming. Ella's experiences at the dance and her interactions with her family members serve as a catalyst for change, prompting her to reflect on her desires and aspirations. The narrative concludes with a sense of hope, as Ella begins to forge her own path and redefine her relationships with her sisters and father.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1899 · Genre: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance · 20 chapters · 101,384 words
First lines
A very little girl was sitting on the rug in front of a brightly burning fire. She was amusing herself with picture books, a number of which were scattered about her, but her small face was flushed, her eyes were heavy, and she seemed restless and dissatisfied. She was suffering from a very bad cold.
"I can't read, and I can't see the picshures," she said complainingly, "my eyes hurts, and my head too. You read to me, Harvey."
What this Textopian page supports
The Third Miss St Quentin is listed on Textopian as a novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Literary Fiction, Mystery
- Length: 101,384 words
- Structure: 20 chapters, 2,166 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Third Miss St Quentin by Mary Louisa Molesworth
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Third Miss St Quentin?
- How does this novel by Mary Louisa Molesworth fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fiction — The book is a work of fiction, presenting a narrative that is not based on real events.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and context reflect historical elements relevant to the time period in which it was written.
- Romance — The plot involves romantic themes and relationships central to character development.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style emphasizes character exploration and thematic depth, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
Children's Literature · Fantasy · Romance · Coming-of-Age · Social Class · Family Dynamics · Love Story · Friendship · Growing Up · Self-Discovery · Morality Tale · Victorian Era
Contents
- Six Years Old
- Eleven Years after
- "it is Really Ella."
- Back in the Nursery
- Ermine's Inspiration
- Lady Cheynes at Luncheon
- An Invitation
- Left Behind
- Too Good to be True
- An Old-World Shoe
- After the Ball
- Smuts
- Ermine Misses the Fun
- Differences of Opinion
- Sir Philip Burns his Fingers
- Out in the Cold
- Ella Overhears
- A Decided Step
- "a Marriage is Arranged."
- "having it out."