Three girls and especially one

"Three girls and especially one" by Marion Ames Taggart is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the Merrick family in New York—especially twelve-year-old Marcella (“Marcy”), who dreams of genius and fame—and their candid, big-hearted cousin Nellie from the West. As drawing-room pride collides with plain honesty, and a sudden misfortune tests everyone, the focus shifts from self-display to quiet courage and service. Readers who like domestic coming‑of‑age stories with gentle Catholic themes will find much to enjoy.

At the start of the story, the Merricks’ busy, status-conscious home is introduced: Marcy broods over future greatness, Inez chases society, and the younger children squabble merrily—until cousin Nellie arrives, sunny, practical, and unpretentious. Nellie’s lack of polish draws snubs from fashionable schoolmates, yet her warmth wins the younger siblings and gradually pricks Marcy’s vanity. A fall from the rooftop observatory leaves Marcy gravely injured; guided by kindly Father Glenn’s parable of a hidden white blossom, she resolves to “live for others,” beginning with small, steady acts—reading to her father, tending the little ones, helping Inez and Bob do right, and sending her unused finery to Nellie’s needy siblings out West. A school play becomes a flashpoint when jealous girls hide the crown; Nellie recovers it in time, saving Inez’s triumph and sealing their new closeness. The opening ends with Christmas preparations centered around Marcy’s room and a generous box for Prairie Rest, promising a “merry Christmas after all.” (This is an automatically generated summary.)