The Laurel Walk

"The Laurel Walk" by Mrs. Molesworth is a tale set in the 1800's about the Morion sisters, Betty and Frances, who live in the uneventful village of Craig Bay. They’re stuck in a humdrum routine, strained by their father’s weird habits and the fact that their life seems to lack any excitement, while hinting that the supernatural is more prevalent. The story kicks off on a gloomy, rainy night where Frances stays at the local pharmacy, and Betty finds herself outside dreaming about shaking up their boring lifestyle. On their way home, they talk about how they long for something more and their discussion reveals secrets about the old family estate, Craig-Morion, hinting at change when they discover new tenants might be moving in. The start of the story shows us the the sisters' different personalities, with older sister Frances as the mothering caretakers, and Betty as the dreamy type wanting something new, and sets up the feeling of tension between their boring reality and their hopes for a more amazing life.