Mary Louise Adopts a Soldier

"Mary Louise Adopts a Soldier" by L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum is a story set in the post-World War I era, focusing of a young girl named Mary Louise and her grandfather, Colonel Hathaway, as they prepare for the return of soldiers to their town, Dorfield. Mary Louise is eager to assist the returning soldiers, particularly those without homes, showing her kind heart and patriotic spirit, which sets a positive tone. The plot thickens with the arrival of Danny Dexter, a soldier who becomes the subject of Mary Louise's interest, revealing themes of friendship, honor, and the intricate nature of people. The narrative weaves together community enthusiasm and a subtle mystery as Mary Louise's encounters hint at a complex situation surrounding Danny and the returning soldiers.