Margery Daw : $b A novel

by Bertha M. Clay

"Margery Daw" by Bertha M. Clay is a novel written in the early 20th century. It revolves around the themes of love, loss, and social class through the experiences of Margery, a young girl whose mother dies tragically in a railroad accident. Margery becomes a focal point for various characters as they navigate their compassion and social responsibilities towards her, revealing the complexities of human emotions in the context of love stories intertwined with action and moral dilemmas. At the start of the story, a train collision leaves a young mother dead, and her daughter Margery, who miraculously survives, is found and taken into the care of strangers. The opening describes a chaotic scene with doctors and bystanders attempting to assist the injured. Margery's fate becomes uncertain as her connection to the dead mother is revealed, and various characters express their concern for her well-being. A kind lady, Mrs. Graham, takes immediate responsibility for Margery, while others discuss the dead woman’s background, hinting at unresolved mysteries pertaining to Margery's origins and her mother’s past. The narrative establishes a poignant backdrop that sets the stage for Margery's journey, illustrating the contrasting lives of the characters surrounding her.