Monteagle
1888
A novel written in the late 19th century. The book likely centers on themes of compassion, faith, and personal growth, focusing on the experiences of a main character named Dilly West, a frail young girl from a poor background, and the contrasting world of Mrs. Hammond’s privileged family. Through the interactions between these characters—especially as Dilly is given the chance to recover her health at the mountain retreat of Monteagle—the story explores the effects of kindness, class differences, and spiritual development. The opening of the book introduces Dilly West and her father struggling with poverty and illness in a stifling city setting. Dilly’s fragile health and yearning for relief prompt Mrs. Hammond, a wealthy and benevolent woman, to invite her to Monteagle to act as a companion for her young daughter, Ethel. The narrative then follows Dilly’s astonishment and gratitude as she receives care, new clothes, and nourishing food, marking the first positive turn in her bleak circumstances. As Dilly arrives at Monteagle, she experiences awe at the mountain scenery, warmth from Mrs. Hammond’s circle, and new social and spiritual challenges, including budding friendships and soul-searching conversations about faith and purpose, both with Mrs. Hammond’s skeptical son, Hart, and others at the vacation retreat. The earlier chapters establish both Dilly’s innocence and resilience, as well as the beginnings of transformation for several characters around her.
Editions
X-Ray
“My!” said Mrs. Jenkins, the nearest neighbor, getting a glimpse of Dilly’s fluttering ribbons and buttoned boots, “how fine we do look! I declare, if the little piece hasn’t got gloves on!” Then she went in and slammed the door. It was not that she bore poor Dilly any ill will, but Mrs. Jenkins had five children, and found it hard work to get them enough to eat; still, they were all well and hearty. Up to yesterday she had been superior in station to the Wests, and had pitied them, and done them a kind turn when she could, but this rise in their fortunes was too much for her nerves.””
— Pansy
“It is all right,” the mother said, cheerily; “I noticed that your tent door was tied early in the evening, and did not see you untie it; and I was a little afraid you had deserted us and run home.” “I would not do that without telling you, and saying good-bye,” he answered gently, and some way his voice seemed more tender than Dilly had ever noticed before. He lifted Effie, whose blackberries were gone, from her chair, and gave her such a frolic that she shouted for joy, then putting her on Dilly’s shoulder, walked away with his mother’s hand drawn through his arm, and a happy look on her face; a look which, while it lasted, nearly always hid the wrinkles which were gathering there.””
— Pansy
“How do they make you feel?” There was a faint smile on Dilly’s face. “I can’t tell that, either; I don’t know how to tell things.” “Try,” persisted Hart. “I have seen mountains all my life, and I have forgotten how they made me feel when I first saw them; I want to know what the feeling is.” “They make me,” said Dilly, in a slow, awe-stricken tone, “they make me think of God.””
— Pansy
