Mattie:—A Stray (Vol 2 of 3)

** "Mattie:—A Stray (Vol 2 of 3)" by F. W. Robinson is a tale set in the 1800s, spotlighting a young lady named Mattie as she encounters challenges that jeopardize her settled life and joy. This volume tells of growing stress between Mattie and Mr. Wesden, her boss, resulting from confusion and doubt that put her honesty to the test. Mattie is at first worried about where she stands following Mr. Wesden’s harsh scolding about something what happened, then she deals with feelings of shame and thinks about what will happen to her. The story progresses by thinking about who is missing, like Harriet, her close friend, and Sidney, whom she looks to care about. Scared for Harriet's safety when she doesn't come back home, Mattie goes out into the cold early morning to find her, worried about something bad may have occurred. Their talks show how complicated their relationships are, particularly when it comes to loyalty and friendship, as both young women deal with what society expects of them and their own feelings amid an atmosphere of distrust. **