The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett

Mrs. Sowerby sends a note to Master Craven saying that he must travel home and see his son at once. On the trip home, he thinks back at his son’s health history and regrets not spending time with Colin. Upon his return, he goes to the garden to see his son and is delighted to see the children playing. Mary, Colin, and Archibald walk to the house happy.

Mrs. Sowerby visits the garden. Everyone notices how much Colin looks like his mother. Mary and Colin embrace Mrs. Sowerby and wish that she were their mothers.

We discover more about the robin. Mary and Colin are transformed into happy delightful children. Colin has opened the drapes in his room that covered his mother’s portrait.

The children agree to let Dickon’s mother (Mrs. Sowerby) in on the secret of the garden. They tell her of their large appetites and she sends them food. Mary and Colin find it difficult to maintain their charade.

Mary, Dickon, Colin, and Ben continue to tend to the garden while Colin’s strength increases. He is determined to build his strength enough to surprise his father when he returns. They discuss Magic.

Colin stands to talk to Ben, Dickon and Mary are surprised at this. Ben tells the children that Colin’s mother asked him to take care of the garden once a year if something was to happen to her. Colin claims the garden as his own and plants a rose in his name.

Mary and Dickon speak in a Yorkshire dialect and Colin joins them for the first time. Colin asks Dickon about the great gray tree from which his mother fell. Ben Weatherstaff sees the children and insults Colin.

Mary and Dickon take Colin to see the garden. At once, his pale skin becomes rosey again. Mary and Colin both comment about this being their first time seeing springtime.

Mrs. Medlock and Dr. Craven visit Colin and notice his improvement. Dickon goes to see Mary and Colin and they make preparations to visit the garden.

Mary tells Dickon about the previous events with Colin. He is determined to bring Colin to the garden. Mary and Colin’s friendship grows and she tells him all about the garden.