A lonely orphan girl named Merran lives with her unkind cousins in a bustling farmhouse after losing her loving parents. Shy and sensitive, she feels out of place and unloved, often scolded by her aunt for her perceived clumsiness. One day, after a particularly harsh reprimand, she retreats to the garret, a refuge filled with forgotten objects, including a broken weather-telling barometer she calls the "rain-house." In her despair, Merran wishes for a life free from her troubles, and to her surprise, a voice responds, instructing her to close her eyes and leap. When she opens them, she finds herself in a magical realm, greeted by a beautiful fairy who reveals herself as the figure from the rain-house. The fairy, known as Sunshine, explains that she and her husband, the Rain fairy, have been waiting for Merran, who has been chosen to receive magical gifts that will allow her to predict the weather. Merran receives a tiny umbrella and a parasol, each imbued with the power to forecast rain or sunshine. The fairy instructs her to keep these gifts a secret until she is grown and married, emphasizing that they will only work if used with kind intentions. Merran learns to use her gifts wisely, becoming known as the "weather maiden" in her community, helping farmers and neighbors with her accurate predictions. As time passes, Merran matures into a sweet-faced young woman, admired for her kindness and wisdom. She develops a close bond with Dirk, the youngest son of the farmer, who has returned from a sea voyage. Both share a sense of being different from others, and their mutual affection grows. Eventually, Dirk confesses his love for Merran, and she reciprocates, leading to their marriage. Together, they continue to use the magical gifts, bringing good fortune to their lives and those around them. Merran and Dirk embody kindness and generosity, ensuring their happiness and prosperity. The story concludes with a hint of the fairy realm's continued presence in the world, suggesting that magic may still exist in unseen ways.
By Mary Louisa Molesworth · First published 1881 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Adventure