Left to Ourselves; or, John Headley's Promise.

"Left to Ourselves; or, John Headley's Promise" by Catharine Shaw is a 19th-century story focusing on Agnes Headley, who steps up to care for her siblings during their mother’s journey to America. The narrative highlights the strength of family, the importance of trust, and the need for moral direction, setting up a story filled with lessons about faith and self-improvement. As the children discuss their worries, the story suggests that they will face trials, and emphasizes Agnes's maturity and responsibility as she promises to look after her younger siblings, setting the emotional undertone, introducing key themes and characters that the family must tackle in their journey as a family.