an unfortunate happening that occurs unexpectedly
Martha told Mary how Archibald’s wife had died of an accident in her favorite garden.
assume
to take for granted
One day, Mary found a buried key and she assumed it unlocked the secret garden.
bury
to hide something in the ground
After his wife’s death, Archibald locked the garden and buried the key.
favorite
most prized
Martha told Mary how Archibald’s wife had died of an accident in her favorite garden.
hunchback
a person whose back is humped due to a curve in the spine
Archibald was a quiet man, who had a hunchback.
India
a subcontinent in South Asia
Mary was a spoiled girl who lived with her British parents in india.
intrigue
to arouse curiosity
Mary was intrigued by the secret garden and she searched for it while playing outdoors.
lock
to fasten a door closed using a securing device
After his wife’s death, Archibald locked the garden and buried the key.
maidservant
a female servant
Mary was unhappy but she soon made friends with her maidservant, Martha.
outdoors
in the open air
Mary was intrigued by the secret garden and she searched for it while playing outdoors.
room
a portion of space inside a building separated by walls
One evening, Mary heard more cries and she searched the house until she found a boy in an upstairs room.
spoil
to harm someone by giving in to them too much
Mary was a spoiled girl who lived with her British parents in India.
strange
unusual
During the nights, Mary sometimes heard strange cries in the house.
thin
having little flesh
It was Archibald’s son, Colin, appearing thin and weak.
upstairs
on an upper floor
One evening, Mary heard more cries and she searched the house until she found a boy in an upstairs room.