What Might Have Been Expected

by Frank R. Stockton

"What Might Have Been Expected" by Frank R. Stockton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds around Harry and Kate Loudon, two resourceful children who take it upon themselves to support their elderly friend Aunt Matilda, an old colored woman facing the dire prospect of being sent to an alms-house. Their journey of friendship, responsibility, and imaginative problem-solving defines the heart of the narrative. At the start of the story, Harry and Kate are on a quest to find a solution to Aunt Matilda's financial predicament after learning she may have to leave her home. Determined to support her, Harry devises various plans to earn money, while Kate eagerly pitches in to help. Their bond with Aunt Matilda is highlighted through their affectionate visits and shared experiences, setting the stage for their adventures filled with humor, determination, and the trials of childhood. The opening establishes an engaging blend of youthful ambition and social themes, inviting readers to delve deeper into the challenges and joys of the Loudon siblings as they navigate their world.