The first line of the book captures the essence of Mary:
When Mary Lennox was sent to Misselthwaite Manor to live with her uncle everybody said she was the most disagreeable child ever seen. It was true, too.
I cannot imagine everybody I know and love being killed by cholera. Then, to be shipped off to a distant relative’s house would be quite confusing. However, the other children still make fun of her singing:
Mistress Mary, quite contrary. How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells and marigolds all in a row.
I love her first conversation with Dicken, when she reveals her secret to him:
A garden. I’ve stolen a garden. But it may already be dead, I don’t know.
