The Little Princess
The Real-Life School That Inspired a Story
Frances Hodgson Burnett did not invent everything. As a young girl she lived for a time in a real London boarding house, and she later wove memories of its chilly rooms and strict routines into Sara's story. Even more surprising: the book grew from a short story called 'Sara Crewe,' which Burnett expanded after readers begged for more. So a tale about a girl who loses everything began as a small idea that readers refused to let go.
Sara Crewe was a bright, imaginative girl who had grown up in India with her loving father, Captain Crewe. She was clever and kind, and she loved to tell stories. Now she was sailing to London to attend Miss Minchin's boarding school. On the ship, Sara held her special doll, Emily, close to her heart. Emily had golden hair and blue eyes, and Sara whispered secrets to her. "Don't worry, Emily," Sara said. "We will have adventures in London." Captain Crewe smiled at his daughter. "You will be brave, my little princess," he said. Sara nodded, her eyes shining with curiosity and a little fear. She did not know what awaited her, but she was ready.
At Miss Minchin's boarding school, Sara was given a beautiful room with fine clothes. Miss Minchin, the headmistress, flattered her because her father was rich. "What a lucky girl you are, Sara," Miss Minchin said with a sweet smile. The other girls watched with curiosity and envy. They whispered about Sara's expensive dresses and her doll. Sara felt uncomfortable with the attention, but she smiled politely. She missed her father already, but she knew she must be brave. In her new room, she placed Emily on the bed and looked out the window at the gray London sky. "We will make the best of it, Emily," she said softly.
Sara soon befriended Ermengarde, a slow but warm-hearted girl. Ermengarde struggled with her lessons, and the other girls teased her. Sara sat with her and said, "Don't worry, Ermengarde. I will help you." She also met Becky, the young scullery maid, who was timid and overworked. Sara treated Becky with kindness, sharing her stories and imagination. One evening, Sara told Ermengarde and Becky a magical tale about a princess and a brave servant. Their eyes widened with wonder. "You make everything feel special, Sara," Ermengarde said. Becky nodded, smiling for the first time in days. Sara felt happy to have friends.
Sara's father returned to India to invest in diamond mines. Before leaving, he gave her a special doll, Emily, and promised that everything would be well. "Emily will watch over you," Captain Crewe said, hugging Sara tightly. "And I will write to you every week." Sara tried not to cry. "I will be brave, Papa," she whispered. She stood at the school window and waved until his carriage disappeared. That night, she held Emily and told her, "We must be strong, Emily. Papa will come back, and we will be rich and happy again." But deep in her heart, a small worry lingered.
On Sara's birthday, a beautiful party was prepared. There was a large cake and presents, and Sara wore her finest dress. But in the middle of the celebration, Miss Minchin received terrible news. Captain Crewe had died of illness, and his fortune was gone, lost in the failed diamond mines. Miss Minchin's face turned cold. "Your father is dead, Sara," she said harshly. "You have no money now." Sara stood frozen, her heart breaking. The cake remained untouched, and the other girls gasped. Sara ran to her room and hugged Emily, sobbing. "Papa, Papa," she cried. "What will become of us?"
Miss Minchin was furious at losing money. She stripped Sara of her fine things and made her a servant. Sara was forced to live in a cold attic and work long hours. The attic was bare and freezing, with only a thin blanket and a hard bed. Sara had to scrub floors, carry coal, and run errands for the other girls. Becky, the scullery maid, tried to comfort her. "I'm sorry, Miss Sara," Becky whispered. "You must call me Sara now," Sara said, trying to smile. "We are the same." At night, Sara held Emily and looked out the tiny window at the stars. "We will survive this, Emily," she said.
Sara endured hunger, cold, and humiliation, but she kept her imagination alive. In the attic, she pretended it was a grand palace. She told Becky, "We are princesses in disguise, Becky. We must act like princesses, even when we are cold and hungry." Becky smiled, and they played a game of make-believe. Sara shared her meager food with Becky, and they told stories to keep warm. One night, Sara said, "Emily, you are my lady-in-waiting, and Becky is my loyal friend." The wind howled outside, but inside, their imaginations made the attic a place of magic and hope.
A new servant girl, Lottie, and a starving child named Anne were helped by Sara's quiet generosity. Even though Sara had almost nothing, she shared her bread with Anne and comforted Lottie when she cried. "How can you be so kind when you have so little?" Lottie asked. Sara smiled. "Kindness costs nothing, and it makes us rich in spirit." Becky watched with admiration. "You are a true princess, Sara," she said. Sara shook her head. "No, Becky. A princess is kind to everyone, no matter what." That night, Sara went to bed hungry but with a warm heart, knowing she had helped others.
A mysterious gentleman, Mr. Carrisford, moved in next door. He was searching for the daughter of his lost friend, Captain Crewe. Sara's attic became the center of a secret rescue. Mr. Carrisford had been Captain Crewe's partner in the diamond mines, and he was guilt-ridden over the failure. He had been looking for Sara for years. One evening, Sara saw a light in the window next door and wondered who lived there. She did not know that Mr. Carrisford was watching her from his window, trying to find a way to help. "I must find Captain Crewe's daughter," he said to himself.
Mr. Carrisford discovered that Sara was the missing girl. He restored her fortune and took her into his home. Miss Minchin was left ashamed, and Sara's kindness was rewarded as she brought Becky and her friends with her. "You are a true princess, Sara," Mr. Carrisford said. "Your father would be proud." Sara smiled, tears in her eyes. She hugged Emily and said, "We are home at last, Emily." She invited Becky, Ermengarde, and Lottie to live with her. Miss Minchin apologized, but Sara forgave her. "A princess is kind to everyone," Sara said, echoing her own words. And so, Sara's story ended happily, with love and kindness winning in the end.
