Unique Elements Author Biography A Brief Excerpt The Burnell children could hardly walk to school fast enough the next morning. They burned to tell everybody, to describe, to—well—to boast about their doll’s house before the school-bell rang. “I’m to tell,” said Isabel, “because I’m the eldest. And you two can join in after. But I’m to tell first.” There was nothing to answer. Isabel was bossy, but she was always right, and Lottie and Kezia knew too well the powers that went with being eldest. They brushed through the thick buttercups at the road edge and said nothing. “And I’m to choose who’s to come and see it first. Mother said I might.” For it had been arranged that while the doll’s house stood in the courtyard they might ask the girls at school, two at a time, to come and look. Not to stay to tea, of course, or to come traipsing through the house. But just to stand quietly in the courtyard while Isabel pointed out the beauties, and Lottie and Kezia looked pleased.... But hurry as they might, by the time they had reached the tarred palings of the boys’ playground the bell had begun to jangle. They only just had time to whip off their hats and fall into line before the roll was called. Never mind. Isabel tried to make up for it by looking very important and mysterious and by whispering behind her hand to the girls near her, “Got something to tell you at playtime.” Playtime came and Isabel was surrounded. The girls of her class nearly fought to put their arms round her, to walk away with her, to beam flatteringly, to be her special friend. She held quite a court under the huge pine trees at the side of the playground. Nudging, giggling together, the little girls pressed up close. And the only two who stayed outside the ring were the two who were always outside, the little Kelveys. They knew better than to come anywhere near the Burnells. About The Doves' Nest and Other Stories "The Doves' Nest and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories by New Zealand author Katherine Mansfield. The book features a diverse array of narratives that showcase Mansfield's unique style and keen insight into human nature. The title story, "The Doves' Nest," is a poignant tale about a young woman named Tilly who inherits a cottage and decides to make it her home. She moves into the cottage and begins to settle in, but she soon discovers that the previous owner left behind a secret that has the potential to upend her life. Tilly must come to terms with the truth about the cottage and its past in order to find peace and happiness in her new home. Another story in the collection is "The Doll's House", a story that focuses on the differences between social classes and the power dynamics that exist between them. The story takes place in a small town where two sisters, Kezia and Lottie, live. Kezia is fascinated by a wealthy family's beautiful dollhouse, which is on display at a local fair. She dreams of being able to play with the dollhouse and the dolls that come with it. There is also a story called "A Cup of Tea" that explores the theme of social status and the desire for material wealth. The story follows a young woman named Rosemary Fell who is walking in the rain and meets a stranger named Mrs. Keith. Despite her initial reservations, Rosemary offers Mrs. Keith a cup of tea and learns that she is a struggling actress. Overall, "The Doves' Nest and Other Stories" is a masterful collection of short stories that showcase Katherine Mansfield's talent for crafting engaging, emotionally charged narratives. Whether exploring the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of the natural world, or the struggles of the human condition, these stories offer readers a rich and rewarding experience.