The New Mistress: A Tale

"The New Mistress: A Tale" by George Manville Fenn is a story set around a young woman named Hazel Thorne who becomes the mistress of a girls' school in a small town after her family experiences a decline in wealth following a family tragedy. In her new position, Hazel faces the hardships of poverty and her mother’s pride, while also dealing with unresolved issues from her past. The story begins by presenting Hazel and her mother, Mrs. Thorne, as they adapt to living in a small cottage after having lived a more respectable life. Hazel feels a sense of responsibility to her job as headmistress, despite her mother's longing for their former social status. As Hazel heads to school on her first day, she feels both worried and burdened by her family's expectations. Her interactions with other teachers and people in the community show the complex social situations she will encounter in her new life.