After reading this little story by Queen Victoria, I am struck by the maturity of this child's hand at 10 and 3/4 years old. Even though Victoria was not aware she was to be Queen at the time, she already had a firm grasp of the English language. 
 The story begins with a young Alice Lasalles being sent to boarding school, because her father cannot contend with a new wife and child together with his daughter. 
 I will return to add further details about Mrs. D's home for girls and all the other children that people Alice's new life. No spoilers here.