Marjorie's New Friend

In Short

Marjorie’s New Friend is a charming slice-of-life domestic story centered on a girl named Marjorie Maynard. When her best friend moves away, Marjorie must reconcile her lingering loyalty with the arrival of a new, lonely, and somewhat difficult neighbor named Delight. Through a series of holiday festivities, accidental mishaps, and shared lessons under a supportive governess, the book explores the growing pains of childhood character. It has lasted because it treats the small, internal crises of childhood with the same gravity and warmth that the children themselves apply to them.

The Story

The narrative begins within the cozy, structured world of the Maynard family, where Marjorie—known affectionately as Midget or Mopsy—spends her time navigating the complexities of gift-giving and sibling dynamics. Her life is upended when her dear friend Gladys moves to California, leaving behind a void that Marjorie is reluctant to fill. Her father gently encourages her to remain open, but Marjorie is wary, convinced that any new neighbor from New York will be "stuck-up" and "superior."

Her apprehension proves partially founded when she meets the new girl, Delight Spencer. Delight is an only child, delicate and pampered, who struggles with jealousy and a sense of entitlement, initially viewing servants as mere tools for her comfort. Despite these friction points, the two girls form a bond built on imaginative play. They spend their days in elaborate "make-believe," pretending to be princesses or historical figures in old farmhouses.

The plot thickens when a case of diphtheria causes a household quarantine, forcing Marjorie to spend time in the Spencers' home. This period acts as a crucible for their friendship. Marjorie’s characteristic impulsiveness leads to an unfortunate accident involving a goldfish bowl, which highlights the cultural and temperamental differences between the two girls. Delight’s mother, overwhelmed by domestic instability, relies on a new, wise governess named Miss Hart to manage the household and the girls' education. Miss Hart becomes the moral anchor of the story, teaching the girls not just botany and manners, but empathy and patience.

As the quarantine lifts, the social dynamics shift again. The "Jinks Club"—a group of local children—becomes a source of both joy and disaster when an impulsive auction game leads to the ruin of a prized family engraving. Marjorie’s father uses the incident as a teaching moment, gently correcting her "heedlessness" and lack of foresight. Meanwhile, Delight struggles with possessiveness, often trying to isolate Marjorie from other friends, leading to minor social ruptures. Throughout these events, the children oscillate between moments of profound maturity and typical childhood mischief.

The story concludes with a resolution that is less about a grand climax and more about the maturation of the characters. Marjorie learns to balance her fierce loyalty to her old friends with a growing understanding of her new ones, while Delight slowly learns that friendship requires sharing and consideration. They end the tale not as perfectly reformed children, but as girls becoming more aware of their own "microscopic flaws," supported by parents who guide them with humor and steady, patient love.

How It Unfolds

The Sewing Dilemma Marjorie struggles to sew a Christmas gift for her mother behind a Japanese screen, highlighting her lack of natural talent for domestic chores and her deep desire to please those she loves.

The Departure Gladys leaves for California, and Marjorie must face the pain of separation while grappling with the fear that her friend might eventually move on to new experiences and people.

The Quarantine A sickness in the household forces Marjorie into the Spencers' home, placing the two girls in close proximity and forcing them to confront their clashing perspectives on life and service.

The Goldfish Incident In an earnest but disastrous attempt to be helpful, Marjorie accidentally kills the family’s goldfish while cleaning their bowl, leading to a confrontation that tests her humility and Delight’s patience.

The Governess’s Influence Miss Hart arrives to tutor the girls, transforming their dry, academic schoolwork into an engaging exploration of nature, which helps bridge the gap between their disparate personalities.

The Auction Accident A high-spirited game of "auction" results in the destruction of a valuable engraving, forcing Marjorie to confront the consequences of her "heedlessness" and the need for greater mindfulness.

New Year’s Renewal The story closes on a note of family unity as the characters celebrate the arrival of the New Year, reflecting on their growth and the simple joys of their shared, protected life.

The People

Marjorie Maynard, or "Midget," is the heart of the story. She is impulsive, fiercely loyal, and deeply imaginative, often finding herself in trouble because she acts before she thinks. Her journey is one of learning that "heedlessness" is a form of selfishness. Delight Spencer is Marjorie's foil: she is an only child who has never learned the give-and-take of friendship. She is prone to petty jealousy and possessiveness, yet she possesses a wistful, lonely quality that draws Marjorie to her. Miss Hart is the catalytic figure; she is a governess of "great decision of character" who uses kindness and intellect to soothe the household’s tensions. She serves as a mentor, guiding the girls toward self-awareness. Finally, Mr. Maynard acts as the gentle moral guide, providing the necessary boundaries and wisdom to help Marjorie understand that "the worthwhile man is the man who thinks in time."

In Its Own Voice

"I never saw such a thing!" she murmured, to herself. "You turn it straight, and then it's wrong side out,--and then you turn it back, and still it's wrong side out!"

Marjorie experiences the common, localized frustration of a child attempting a task beyond her current skill level while trying to keep her efforts a secret.

"Land sakes, children! stop that hullabaloo-lam!" exclaimed Mrs. Simpson. "How can I thank these kind people if you keep up that noise!"

A neighborly visit turns into a scene of chaotic gratitude when the Maynards bring gifts to a family in need, momentarily overwhelming the mother with the unexpected bounty.

"I'm a bad, impulsive, mischievous old thing, and I never think in time,--then the first thing I know I've done something awful!"

Marjorie offers an honest, slightly dramatic self-assessment to her father, acknowledging her tendency to act on impulse without considering the potential consequences.

What It's Really About

At its core, the book examines the transition from a self-centered childhood to one defined by social awareness and responsibility. It explores the tension between loyalty to the past and the necessity of growth in the present. The story argues that friendship is not a static state of being but a skill that requires active cultivation, patience, and the ability to forgive both oneself and others. It asks the reader to consider how we treat those who are "other" than ourselves, and whether we can bridge the gap between different upbringings through shared play and mutual understanding. Ultimately, it emphasizes that while mistakes are inevitable, the path to maturity lies in learning to "think in time."

Why Read It Today

Readers who appreciate a gentle, character-driven narrative will find much to admire here. The book captures the specific rhythm of a world where social calls, holiday preparations, and educational lessons form the structure of daily life. It feels like a time capsule of a more deliberate age, offering a soothing, if occasionally didactic, look at the moral education of children.

Those who enjoy stories of domestic life and the nuances of childhood friendship will find Marjorie’s internal struggles very relatable. However, modern readers should be prepared for the period-specific attitudes regarding class and domestic service; the conversations between the children and their parents reflect an era where status and the roles of servants were taken for granted. Some readers might find the prose a bit wordy or the children’s dialogue overly formal, reflecting a style common in the early 20th century. Yet, the warmth of the characterizations—particularly the relationship between Marjorie and her father—remains genuinely touching. It is a slow, steady read that rewards those who want to spend time in a world where kindness, despite the occasional mishap, is the ultimate goal. It leaves the reader with a quiet appreciation for the small, formative moments that shape a young person's character.