🌿 The Secret Garden – Chapter 11: Magic in the Garden

Colin visited the garden every day now.

At first, Mary and Dickon helped him walk. But soon, he could take many steps on his own. His back was straighter, and his legs felt stronger.

“I think I’m going to grow tall like other boys,” he said one morning. “And I don’t feel afraid anymore.”

In the garden, everything was growing. Pink and red roses climbed the walls. Bees buzzed from flower to flower. Butterflies danced in the sunlight.

Dickon said, “This garden has real magic in it. It’s not just the flowers—it’s how it makes you feel.”

“I believe that too,” Colin said. “I believe we’re part of the magic.”

They made a small circle of stones near a tree.

“This will be our special place,” Colin said. “We can sit here and feel the magic.”

They called it the Magic Circle.

Colin sat inside the circle with his eyes closed.

“I’m getting stronger,” he whispered. “I’m going to live forever.”

Mary and Dickon didn’t laugh. They believed it too.

Sometimes, they brought books and read under the trees. Other times, they played games and ran through the flowers. Colin even learned to skip and laugh like other children.

But they kept the garden a secret.

No one in the house knew.

The servants were surprised to see Colin look so well. They told each other in whispers, “He’s changing… He’s not the same boy.”

Mr. Craven, Colin’s father, was away in Europe. He had not seen his son in months.

One night, as Colin looked at the stars, he said, “When my father comes home, I’ll walk up to him. I won’t be weak. I’ll surprise him.”

Mary nodded. “He’ll be so proud.”

In the garden, everything was possible.

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📖 Glossary

Word/Phrase	Meaning
Straight	Not bent or curved
Buzzed	Made a low humming sound, like bees do
Butterflies danced	A way of describing butterflies flying lightly
Circle of stones	Stones placed in a round shape
Servants	People who work in someone’s house
Whispers	Speaking very softly or quietly

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❓ Comprehension Questions

1. What changes do we see in Colin at the start of the chapter?

2. What new place do the children make in the garden?

3. What do they call this circle of stones?

4. Why do Colin, Mary, and Dickon believe in magic?

5. How do the servants react to Colin’s changes?

6. Where is Mr. Craven?

7. What does Colin plan to do when his father returns?

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✅ Answers

1. He walks more, feels stronger, and is happier.

2. A circle of stones near a tree.

3. The Magic Circle.

4. Because the garden makes them feel happy, healthy, and hopeful.

5. They are surprised and whisper about how much he has changed.

6. He is away in Europe.

7. He wants to walk up to him and surprise him with his strength