🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 9: A Secret Friend
The next day, Mary went to see Colin again.
He was sitting up in bed, looking better than before. His eyes were brighter, and there was a little color in his pale cheeks.
“I’ve been thinking about the garden all night,” he said as soon as she entered. “I dreamed about trees and flowers. Can I really go there?”
“Not yet,” Mary said. “You must get stronger first. And we have to keep it a secret.”
Colin nodded. “I won’t tell anyone. Not even the servants.”
Mary brought stories of the garden each day. She described the green leaves, the soft grass, the smell of flowers. Colin listened with wonder.
Then one afternoon, she said, “Would you like to meet someone else who knows the garden?”
“Who?” he asked.
“Dickon,” she smiled. “Martha’s brother. He helped me make the garden come alive.”
“Is he kind?” Colin asked.
“The kindest,” Mary replied. “He talks to animals and makes the flowers grow faster.”
Colin laughed softly. “Then yes, I want to meet him.”
The next morning, Mary told Dickon everything. He was surprised, but happy.
“We’ll help the lad,” he said. “He just needs fresh air and joy.”
Later that week, when the servants were busy, Mary and Dickon came into Colin’s room. The boy was sitting in a big chair, covered with blankets.
Dickon smiled and held a baby lamb in his arms. “Thought you might want to meet some friends.”
Colin’s eyes lit up. “A lamb! Is it really yours?”
“No one owns a lamb,” Dickon said kindly. “It just likes being with me.”
The fox, too, followed behind Dickon and sat quietly near the chair.
Colin laughed. “This is the strangest day of my life. And the best.”
They talked for hours. Dickon told stories about the moor, about animals, and about growing things. Colin listened like a thirsty flower drinking water.
“I want to go outside,” Colin said at last. “I want to breathe the fresh air. I want to walk.”
Mary and Dickon looked at each other.
“You will,” Dickon said. “We’ll help you.”
That night, Colin told Mary, “I believe the garden has magic. I believe it can make me better.”
Mary nodded. “It made me better. And now it will help you.”
For the first time in his life, Colin believed something wonderful could happen.
📖 Glossary
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Servants | People who work in a large house |
| Blankets | Warm covers used on a bed or chair |
| Thirsty flower | A metaphor for someone needing attention or care |
| Fresh air | Clean outdoor air |
| Magic | A special power that brings change or wonder |
❓ Comprehension Questions
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How does Colin look when Mary visits him again?
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What does Colin ask about the garden?
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Who does Mary want him to meet?
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What animals does Dickon bring to Colin’s room?
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How does Colin react to the visit?
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What does Colin say he wants to do?
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What does Colin begin to believe about the garden?
✅ Answers
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He looks better—his eyes are brighter and he has more color.
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If he can go there one day.
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Dickon, her friend who helps with the garden.
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A baby lamb and a fox.
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He is surprised and very happy.
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He wants to go outside and walk.
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That the garden has magic and can help him get better.
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