Eleanor Hodgman Porter

In Eleanor Hodgman Porter's "Keith's Dark Tower," discover a compelling narrative rich with the nuances of Scottish storytelling. Set against the backdrop of small town life, this literary work explores themes of family, secrets, and personal growth. Follow young Keith as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, coming face to face with mysteries that challenge his understanding of the world. Porter's poignant prose captures the essence of a bygone era, making "Keith's Dark Tower" a timeless exploration of the human condition. Experience a tale where every shadow holds a story and every character embodies the spirit of Scotland. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Eleanor H. Porter published the children's book Just David in 1916. Ten-year-old violinist David is unnamed and has no idea what his last name is. He and his father have a happy life in the highlands until his father develops a serious illness. The father gives David a substantial sum of gold money just before he passes away and instructs him to keep them hidden until they are required. Two former childhood sweethearts who had drifted apart were wed by David, whose purity and singing talent charmed the villagers and transformed the lives of numerous of them. He also makes a difference in the Holly family, helping Simeon to mend his broken heart and enable his son to visit with his new wife and child. They discover throughout the visit how expensive David's violins are. His father had a Stradivarius and an Amati, which he had lent to a blind acquaintance. When John reads David's father's old letter, he recognizes the signature and learns that the man was a well-known musician who had vanished with his son following the death of his wife. David is assigned to reconnect with his family and take violin lessons. He becomes well-known and affluent, but he still comes to the Hollys every year to perform for them.

Della Wetherby tripped up the somewhat imposing steps of her sister's Commonwealth Avenue home and pressed an energetic finger against the electric-bell button. From the tip of her wing-trimmed hat to the toe of her low-heeled shoe she radiated health, capability, and alert decision. Even her voice, as she greeted the maid that opened the door, vibrated with the joy of living. "Good morning, Mary. Is my sister in?" "Y-yes, ma'am, Mrs. Carew is in," hesitated the girl; "but-she gave orders she'd see no one." "Did she? Well, I'm no one," smiled Miss Wetherby, "so she'll see me. Don't worry-I'll take the blame," she nodded, in answer to the frightened remonstrance in the girl's eyes. "Where is she-in her sitting-room?" "Y-yes, ma'am; but-that is, she said-" Miss Wetherby, however, was already halfway up the broad stairway; and, with a despairing backward glance, the maid turned away.

Miss Polly Harrington entered her kitchen a little hurriedly this June morning. Miss Polly did not usually make hurried movements; she specially prided herself on her repose of manner. But to-day she was hurrying-actually hurrying. Nancy, washing dishes at the sink, looked up in surprise. Nancy had been working in Miss Polly's kitchen only two months, but already she knew that her mistress did not usually hurry. "Nancy " "Yes, ma'am." Nancy answered cheerfully, but she still continued wiping the pitcher in her hand. "Nancy,"-Miss Polly's voice was very stern now-"when I'm talking to you, I wish you to stop your work and listen to what I have to say." Nancy flushed miserably. She set the pitcher down at once, with the cloth still about it, thereby nearly tipping it over-which did not add to her composure. "Yes, ma'am; I will, ma'am," she stammered, righting the pitcher, and turning hastily. "I was only keepin' on with my work 'cause you specially told me this mornin' ter hurry with my dishes, ye know." Her mistress frowned. "That will do, Nancy. I did not ask for explanations. I asked for your attention." "Yes, ma'am." Nancy stifled a sigh. She was wondering if ever in any way she could please this woman. Nancy had never "worked out" before; but a sick mother suddenly widowed and left with three younger children besides Nancy herself, had forced the girl into doing something toward their support, and she had been so pleased when she found a place in the kitchen of the great house on the hill-Nancy had come from "The Corners," six miles away, and she knew Miss Polly Harrington only as the mistress of the old Harrington homestead, and one of the wealthiest residents of the town. That was two months before. She knew Miss Polly now as a stern, severe-faced woman who frowned if a knife clattered to the floor, or if a door banged-but who never thought to smile even when knives and doors were still. "When you've finished your morning work, Nancy," Miss Polly was saying now, "you may clear the little room at the head of the stairs in the attic, and make up the cot bed.