The Crow-Child
by Mary Mapes Dodge
Midway between a certain blue lake and a deep forest there once stood a cottage, called by its owner “The Rookery.”
The forest shut out the sunlight and scowled upon the ground, breaking with shadows every ray that fell, until only a few little pieces lay scattered about. But the broad lake invited all the rays to come and rest upon her, so that sometimes she shone from shore to shore, and the sun winked and blinked above her, as though dazzled by his own reflection. The cottage, which was very small, had sunny windows and dark windows. Only from the roof could you see the mountains beyond, where the light crept up in the morning and down in the evening, turning all the brooks into living silver as it passed.
But something brighter than sunshine used often to look from the cottage into the forest, and something even more gloomy than shadows often glowered from its windows upon the sunny lake. One was the face of little Ruky Lynn; and the other was his sister’s when she felt angry or ill-tempered.
They were orphans, Cora and Ruky, living alone in the cottage with an old uncle. Cora—or “Cor,” as Ruky called her—was nearly sixteen years old, but her brother had seen the forest turn yellow only four times. She was, therefore, almost mother and sister in one. The little fellow was her companion night and day. Together they ate and slept, and—when Cora was not at work in the cottage—together they rambled in the wood, or floated in their little skiff upon the lake.
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The Crow-Child tells the story of orphaned siblings, Cora and Ruky, who live in a small cottage called "The Rookery" between a dark forest and a bright lake. The cottage has both sunny and dark windows, reflecting the contrasting moods of the siblings. Cora, at almost sixteen years old, takes on the roles of mother and sister to Ruky, who is only four years old.
Despite their difficult circumstances, Cora and Ruky find solace in each other's company. They rely on each other for companionship and support, spending their days together eating, sleeping, and exploring the forest or sailing on the lake in their small skiff.
The story highlights the love and bond between the siblings, as well as the challenges they face as orphans living with their old uncle in The Rookery. Cora's face often reflects her responsibility and care for Ruky, while her anger or frustration is reflected in the gloomy windows of the cottage. The forest and the lake serve as contrasting landscapes, representing the darkness and light in their lives.
Overall, The Crow-Child explores themes of family, love, and the hardships faced by orphaned children. The story captures the resilience and strength of the siblings as they navigate life together in their secluded cottage.