Kitty's enemy

In Short

This Edwardian-era story follows the shifting dynamic between two siblings, Kitty and Bob Glanville, and their new neighbor, Tim Shuttleworth. After an impulsive act of sabotage by Tim leads to the death of Kitty’s rabbit, the children navigate a web of secrets, petty resentments, and eventual reconciliation. The book remains a resonant study of how children—often prone to intense, immediate judgments—can overcome their initial prejudices. Its enduring appeal lies in its gentle, sincere exploration of how forgiveness is earned through small, consistent acts of kindness and true character.

The Story

The quiet life of the Glanville children is interrupted when Tim Shuttleworth arrives to live with his uncle in the neighboring villa. Tim, a lonely and spirited boy with a quick Irish temper, is dismayed to find his attempts at gardening ruined by the Glanvilles’ terrier, Snip. Convinced the siblings are responsible, Tim retaliates in a fit of pique, inadvertently destroying a hutch that contains Kitty’s pet rabbit. The resulting accident leaves the rabbit dead. When Kitty, sensing Tim’s involvement, confronts him, he panics and lies to avoid social ostracization. This initial dishonesty creates a shadow over their interactions, as Kitty remains suspicious and Tim, paralyzed by guilt, struggles to bridge the distance between them.

The narrative follows the slow thaw of this cold war. Tim, seeking to make amends without admitting his culpability, purchases a new rabbit to replace the one he destroyed. He leaves it as a surprise, though a series of misunderstandings leads the siblings to believe the gift came from a school friend. As the summer progresses, Bob and Tim begin to spend time together, and Tim’s innate warmth begins to show through his impulsive nature. Kitty, initially wary, softens as she sees Tim’s genuine interest in her family and his concern for her well-being when she suffers an injury.

The climax of their reconciliation arrives through shared experiences—a visit to a local shop, a dramatic rescue of Snip from a pond, and the eventual admission of past wrongs. As Tim proves his loyalty and courage, the "dreadful boy" next door is transformed into a trusted companion. The tension is fully resolved when Tim, finally secure in his friendship with the Glanvilles, confesses to the initial deception regarding the rabbit. His honesty is met with grace rather than rejection, cementing the bond. The story concludes with the three children carving their initials into an apple tree, a mark of a lasting alliance. Tim’s future is secured when he is invited to move in with his uncle permanently, allowing him to attend the local grammar school alongside Bob. The narrative closes on a note of satisfaction, as the former rivals embrace a future of friendship, leaving their early suspicions far behind.

How It Unfolds

The arrival of a neighbor Tim moves in next door and begins an ambitious garden project. When he discovers his seedlings destroyed, his intense temper leads him to accuse the Glanville children of using their dog to sabotage him.

The accident of the rabbit In an effort to pay them back, Tim causes an accident that leaves Kitty’s rabbit dead. He denies involvement when questioned, trapping himself in a lie that fuels the children’s mutual suspicion.

The anonymous gift Tim purchases a replacement rabbit and leaves it as a peace offering. The siblings mistake the donor for a school friend, leaving Tim frustrated that his effort to "ingratiate" himself has failed to clear his name.

The test of character The children share increasingly intimate social moments, including tea in the garden and visits to the local town. When Snip falls into a pond, Tim’s immediate, selfless rescue of the dog proves his worth to the siblings.

The final confession Tim finally admits his original transgressions, including the lie and the garden sabotage. Instead of turning away, the Glanvilles accept his apology, choosing friendship over the memory of the past.

A permanent bond Tim’s father agrees to let him live with his uncle to attend the local grammar school. The book ends with the three children united, their friendship solidified by shared history and mutual respect.

The People

Kitty Glanville is a ten-year-old girl whose defining trait is her "good-natured" disposition, though she possesses a keen, often skeptical, discernment regarding others' behavior. She initially views Tim with judgment, but her capacity for empathy eventually overcomes her prejudice.

Tim Shuttleworth is an impulsive, warm-hearted boy with a volatile Irish temper. He acts rashly out of a desire for connection, then suffers deeply from the guilt of his deceptions. Through the story, he matures from a defensive outsider into a loyal, courageous friend.

Bob Glanville serves as the steady, pragmatic older brother. He is naturally protective of his sister and their garden, but he is also capable of changing his mind once he sees the true character of those around him. He acts as the bridge that allows Tim to enter their social circle.

Mr. Shuttleworth, the elderly, scholarly uncle, provides the quiet backdrop for Tim’s growth. While he remains largely in his study, his eventual suggestion that the children share tea acts as the catalyst for the final stages of their reconciliation.

In Its Own Voice

"Tim's wrath burst bounds as he regarded the trio, and he poured forth a volume of angry words, his Irish accent growing more and more pronounced as he proceeded, in which he accused Kitty and Bob of having deliberately put Snip in over the wall to destroy his garden." (The opening conflict, showing the intensity of the prejudice Tim feels toward his new neighbors.)

"I've accepted an invitation for you, children, Tim came in this morning and asked my permission for you to take tea with him next Saturday afternoon." (The turning point, where the mother facilitates the social bridge that will eventually lead to the children's reconciliation.)

What It's Really About

At its heart, the book is an inquiry into the cost of keeping secrets and the grace found in forgiveness. It explores the idea that "enemies" are often merely strangers who have acted out of misunderstanding or perceived slights. The narrative argues that truth-telling, while frightening, is the only path to genuine connection. It also examines the role of children in navigating social environments, suggesting that while they are prone to rigid judgments, they are also capable of a profound, simple sincerity that allows them to move past their mistakes. It is a story about the transition from the binary world of "dreadful boys" and "good girls" to a more nuanced, empathetic reality where friendship is a choice made through character.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy quiet, character-driven domestic fiction will find much to admire in this story. It captures the specific, heightened emotional stakes of childhood, where a dead rabbit or a broken garden bed feels like a tragedy of epic proportions. The prose is earnest and reflective, perfectly suited to the period of its writing.

Modern readers should be aware that the book reflects the social hierarchies and domestic expectations of 1911. Some of the language and the children's attitudes toward "the poor part of town" or "errand boys" are firmly rooted in that era’s class structure. The pacing is deliberate, favoring detailed descriptions of daily life and tea parties over fast-moving action. However, the emotional payoff—the sight of children learning to trust and to own their mistakes—is timeless. It is a gentle read, best suited for those who appreciate seeing the rough edges of a personality smoothed out by the steady influence of friendship. What stays with you is not the drama of the feud, but the quiet, persistent kindness that ultimately renders the conflict irrelevant. It feels like a small, well-tended garden, where even the most stubborn weeds of suspicion can be cleared away with patience and the right company.