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Rose of Old Harpeth

by Maria Thompson Daviess (1872–1924)

  • Free to read
  • 4 hours to read
  • 10 chapters
  • Reading level: 7th grade

"Rose of Old Harpeth" by Maria Thompson Daviess is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Rose Mary Alloway, a young woman lovingly managing her family's homestead in Sweetbriar while navigating the complexities of life, love, and community. The book deeply explores themes of resilience, familial duty, and the intrinsic beauty of rural life, drawing readers into an idyllic yet challenging environment where both personal and collective aspirations unfold. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Rose Mary and her interactions with Everett, a guest recovering from a serious illness, as they share domestic tasks and engage in light banter. Through their conversations, we learn about Rose Mary's dedication to her family, her dreams for the future, and the underlying tensions related to the mortgage on their ancestral home. The scene elegantly portrays Rose Mary's importance to her family, a tight-knit community of quirky characters, and the pastoral beauty of Harpeth Valley. As she skillfully balances her responsibilities and personal ambitions, the reader is drawn into her world, inviting a deeper exploration of both her character and the supporting cast as the narrative progresses.

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  • Young women
  • Love stories
  • Prospecting

Read the opening

Chapter I

ROSE MARY OF SWEETBRIAR

"Why, don't you know nothing in the world compliments a loaf of bread like the asking for a fourth slice," laughed Rose Mary as she reached up on the stone shelf above her head and took down a large crusty loaf and a long knife. "Thick or thin?" she asked as she raised her lashes from her blue eyes for a second of hospitable inquiry.

"Thin," answered Everett promptly, "but two with the butter sticking 'em together. Please be careful with that weapon! It's as good as a juggler's show to watch you, but it makes me slightly—solicitous." As he spoke he seated himself on the corner of the wide stone table as near to Rose Mary and the long knife as seemed advisable. A ray of sunlight fell through the door of the milk-house and cut across his red head to lose itself in Rose Mary's close black braids.

"Make it four," he further demanded over the table.

"Indeed and I will," answered Rose Mary delightedly. And as she spoke she held the loaf against her breast and drew the knife through the slices in a fascinatingly dangerous manner. At the intentness of his regard the color rose up under the lashes that veiled her eyes, and she hugged the loaf closer with her left hand. "Would you like six?" she asked innocently, as the fourth stroke severed the last piece.

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Contents

  1. Chapter I
  2. Chapter II
  3. Chapter III
  4. Chapter IV
  5. Chapter V
  6. Chapter VI
  7. Chapter VII
  8. Chapter VIII
  9. Chapter IX
  10. Chapter X

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About this edition

This free edition of Rose of Old Harpeth by Maria Thompson Daviess comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #15195, released 2005-02-28. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Novels, American Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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