The Lark

The Lark is a novel written by Edith Nesbit and first published in 1922.

Set in 1919, the novel follows the story of Jane and her cousin Lucilla. Both have finally left boarding school and believe they are ready for life.

When they leave, however, they discover that their guardian has squandered their money on bad investments and has barely 500 pounds left in a small cottage in the English countryside.

Both are very young, Jane is 21 and Lucilla is about 18, and they decide that they must learn to earn a living. They are both very kind and resourceful, and they try to earn money by doing the first thing that comes to their minds: cutting flowers from their garden and selling them, inviting people as guests, even if they disappear without paying...

During their adventure, these two brave young women will also meet many charming people who will help them along the way.

""You wouldn't dare!"
"Wouldn't I? That's all you know!"
"You mustn't dare her," said a third voice anxiously from the top of the library steps; "if you dare her she'll do it as sure as Fate.""