The Secret Garden

Ben was very fond of Colin’s mother, and he is delighted to see her son standing upright. Colin sends Mary to open the door for Ben. After she departs, Colin asks Dickon whether he had done some kind of magic that made it possible for Colin to stand. Dickon replies that Colin made the magic himself, the same magic that makes plants grow.

Ben returns with Mary. He concentrates on Colin, so he doesn’t notice that Mary is muttering under her breath, “You can do it!” repeatedly. (148) Ben addresses Colin as “Young Mester” and asks what orders Colin has for him. Colin announces that his mother’s garden is now his. He means to come here every day, which is to be kept secret.

Colin has fulfilled the first of his ambitions—to stand on his own two feet. Now he is determined to fill the second—dig in his garden. Feebly, he digs a small hole. Ben fetches a small rosebush, removes it from its pot, and hands it to Colin, saying, “Set it in the earth thysel’ same as th’ king does when he goes to a new place” (150). When the rose is planted, Colin rises again and stands independently as the sun goes down.