Mary Lennox was a pale, thin girl who lived in India with her rich parents. Her parents were too busy with parties to care for her. One day, a terrible illness came to the house. Mary's parents died, and she was sent to England. She traveled to Yorkshire to live with her uncle, Mr. Craven. Mr. Craven lived in a huge old house called Misselthwaite Manor. Mary had never seen such a cold, gray place before. The housekeeper, Mrs. Medlock, did not smile at Mary. 'You must stay in your rooms,' Mrs. Medlock told her. 'Do not wander about.' But Mary was a curious child who did not like rules. One morning, she met a young servant girl named Martha. Martha was friendly and told Mary about the gardens. 'There is a secret garden here,' Martha whispered. 'No one has been inside for ten years.' 'Why is it locked?' Mary asked with wide eyes. 'Mrs. Craven loved that garden. When she died, Mr. Craven locked it and buried the key.' Mary could not stop thinking about the secret garden. Every day, she walked outside, looking for the hidden door. She met an old gardener named Ben Weatherstaff. Ben was grumpy, but he liked Mary because she was honest. One day, a friendly robin flew to Mary's feet. The robin seemed to want to show her something. Mary followed the bird to an old wall covered in ivy. There, under the plants, she found a rusty key in the dirt. Her heart beat fast as she picked up the key. The next day, the robin led her to a hidden door. Mary pushed away the ivy and put the key in the lock. The door opened slowly, and she stepped inside. The garden was wild and overgrown, but it was beautiful. Dead branches and weeds were everywhere, but Mary saw green shoots in the soil. 'I will bring this garden back to life,' she said to herself. Every day, Mary worked in the secret garden. She pulled weeds and cleared the paths. The fresh air and exercise made her stronger and healthier. Her cheeks became pink, and her eyes began to shine. One night, Mary heard crying in the house. She followed the sound through dark corridors. She found a pale, thin boy lying in a big bed. 'Who are you?' the boy asked in a weak voice. 'I am Mary. I live here now. Who are you?' 'I am Colin, Mr. Craven's son. Everyone thinks I am going to die.' Colin had never left his room or seen the garden. Mary told him about the secret garden and the flowers. She helped Colin believe that he could get better. Together with their friend Dickon, they made the garden beautiful again. When Mr. Craven came home, he found Colin running and laughing in the garden.
English Story (A2)The Secret Garden
This A2 English story is designed for elementary learners. Click any word for instant translation and build your vocabulary as you read.
aboutStory
Mary Lennox, an orphan from India, discovers a secret garden at her uncle's estate in Yorkshire. With the help of a robin and new friends, she brings the garden back to life, healing both herself and her sickly cousin Colin.
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Comprehension Questions
4 questions
1
Why was Mary sent to England?
2
How did Mary find the key to the secret garden?
3
Who was Colin?
4
