• The Love of the Game Cover
      by LovelyMay Just Folks chapter titled "The Love of the Game" echoes a message of resilience and joy in the face of life's adversities. It critiques the common tendencies of people to lament their troubles, envy others' successes, and prioritize material gain over true happiness. The narrator contests this viewpoint by celebrating the intrinsic value of engaging passionately with one's pursuits, regardless of the outcome. This celebration of commitment over achievement presents a refreshing counter-narrative to the…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • THE LITTLE WRETCH Cover
      by LovelyMay In this chapter of "Dolly Dialogues," the narrator engages in a conversation with Mrs. Hilary Musgrave about Johnny Tompkins, a young man who had been sent away with instructions to reform himself. Mrs. Musgrave immediately dismisses Johnny as "the little wretch," noting his past thefts that nearly amounted to a thousand, which briefly elevated his social standing. Mr. Carter, the narrator, explores Mrs. Musgrave's awareness and opinion on the matter, revealing that despite Johnny's respectable family…
    • The Little New Year Cover
      by LovelyMay On a chilly morning, Maurice awoke to a peculiar knocking at his window. Despite the moon's glow, frost obscured the view. Upon inquiry, a voice announced itself as the New Year, seeking Maurice's aid to distribute blessings. Hesitating due to the cold, Maurice was eventually persuaded, meeting a young, rosy-cheeked boy outside, whose cart displayed "Love" and "Kindness." Together, they ventured to an old shanty, the residence of an old man employed by Maurice's family, to deliver their gifts. This…
    • Chapter

      The Little Army

      The Little Army Cover
      by LovelyMay In a nostalgic cadence, "The Little Army" captures the innocent and fleeting essence of childhood, evoking a vivid tableau of "little women, little men" engrossed in their make-believe battles and adventures. With great detail, it illustrates the vibrant and carefree world of children, who, equipped with wooden swords and guns, engage in playful skirmishes, their faces marked by joyous dimples and smiles. These little soldiers, adorned in paper hats and marching to the jubilant beats of makeshift drums,…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • The Lily Sisters Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The Lily Sisters," a tale unfolds within a majestic palace belonging to a Great King, a place distinguished by its turquoise and opal ceilings and lush, velvety green carpets. Here, three little sisters adorned in green, alongside many other children, under the nurturing guidance of Dame Nature, engage in their assigned duties for the King, learning the value of performing loving work in anticipation of his approval and rewards. Despite the idyllic setting and the companionship of cheerful Sunbeam…
    • THE LADY WHO RIDES TO HOUNDS Cover
      by LovelyMay "The Lady Who Rides to Hounds" delves into the evolving role of women in the traditionally male-dominated sport of hunting. It begins by highlighting the two groups of enthusiastic hunters: hunting parsons and hunting ladies, emphasizing how their inclusion defies conventional expectations. The author asserts that the presence of women in hunting is growing and argues they often surpass men in skill due to their formal training, leading to a safer, more elegant style of horsemanship. This shift not only…
    • Chapter

      The Job

      The Job Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter eloquently delves into the profound understanding that one's occupation or job does not define their worth or their trajectory to success, fame, or joy. It emphasizes the intrinsic value and responsibility of an individual in their professional realm, arguing that the ultimate outcome of their labor is contingent upon their own efforts, ethics, and determination rather than the nature of the job itself. Portrayed through a reflective and didactic tone, the narrative implores readers to perceive…
      Fiction • Poetry
    • THE HUNTING PARSON Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter delves into the complex figure of the hunting parson, confronting the societal disapproval that clergymen face when indulging in the sport of hunting. The author grapples with his own conflicted feelings, recognizing the public's censure while personally struggling to see the harm in a clergyman's participation in hunting. The key argument against clerical hunting—that it consumes time that should be devoted to parish duties—falls flat to the author, who counters that clergymen, living in…
    • THE HUNTING FARMER Cover
      by LovelyMay The chapter "The Hunting Farmer" from "How to Ride to Hounds" emphasizes the crucial role that hunting farmers play in the sustainability of hunting as a sport in England. The narrative appreciates these farmers for their contributions and contrasts their situation with those in other regions where private land rights prohibit similar hunting practices. It argues that without the cooperation and active participation of farmers, who often own or work the lands used for fox hunting, the sport would face…
    • THE HOUSE OPPOSITE Cover
      by LovelyMay In "The House Opposite," the narrator engages Mrs. Hilary, Miss Phyllis, and Hilary in a discussion sparked by the recounting of young Algy Groom's unfortunate misadventure in Paris, which led to the loss of the one hundred pounds his father had given him to learn French. Rather than focusing on the misfortune itself, the conversation quickly pivots to the broader topic of youthful deceptions, drawing parallels between boys' and girls' slight against parental expectations. Mrs. Hilary, initially indignant…
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