Eventide A Series of Tales and Poems

"Eventide" by Effie Afton is a collection of stories and verses set in the imaginary village of Wimbledon. It paints a picture of country living during the 1800s. The tales focus on the difficulties ordinary people face and the contrasts between the rich and poor. Characters like Dilly Danforth, who earns her living as a washerwoman, live a hard life. Her son, Willie, is also introduced; both show how the poor must struggle. Wimbledon is a peaceful village, but it is not without strife. The story begins at night as Willie gathers wood to keep warm because his mother works for someone with no empathy. But there is promise of hope when there is talk about kind characters that seek to help. The initial tone makes the reader aware of the realities of Wimbledon's intricate societal layers.