The Girl Scouts at Bellaire; Or, Maid Mary's Awakening

"The Girl Scouts at Bellaire; Or, Maid Mary's Awakening" by Lilian Garis is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure story follows the escapades of a group of Girl Scouts as they embark on a summer vacation in the beautiful mountain town of Bellaire. At the center of the narrative is Maid Mary, a mysterious girl whom the Scouts encounter, and their quest to uncover the secrets surrounding her and the strange circumstances of her life. The opening of the story introduces us to three friends, Grace, Cleo, and Madaline, as they prepare for an exciting vacation in Bellaire. They discuss their plans enthusiastically, full of anticipation for adventure and new experiences away from home. Upon their arrival, they encounter a peculiar old woman and a curious little girl, Maid Mary, who captures their attention. As the girls settle into their surroundings, the narrative hints at deeper mysteries involving Mary, her granddaddy, and their unconventional nurse, Reda. The trio of scouts quickly resolves to unravel these secrets while enjoying the beauty and charm of the New Jersey mountains.