# Sal’s Nanny explained — At the Back of the North Wind

> Chapter companion for At the Back of the North Wind by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Diamond, worried about the crossing girl Nanny, goes to her home in a dangerous slum, finds her ill and alone, and seeks help from Mr. Raymond. With the policeman's protection and Mr. Raymond's aid, Nanny is taken to the Children's Hospital.

## Themes in this chapter

### Compassion and Service

Diamond's selfless act of seeking help for Nanny exemplifies compassion and service to others.

### Innocence and Wisdom

Diamond's innocent trust in others and his wise understanding of right and wrong guide his actions.

## Character check-ins

### Diamond

Shows compassion and resourcefulness by seeking help for Nanny despite the danger.

### Nanny

Found ill and unconscious in Sal's cellar; later taken to the hospital.

### Mr. Raymond

Kindly responds to Diamond's plea, arranges for Nanny's admission to the Children's Hospital.

### Father

Trusts Diamond to go alone to find Nanny.

### Mother

Listens to Diamond's interpretation of the Little Boy Blue rhyme.

## Key lines

> People might think he was mistaken, but they never thought he was telling a story.

Others might doubt Diamond's accuracy, but they never doubted his honesty.

_Highlights Diamond's inherent truthfulness._

> I can’t give you my jacket. It belongs to my father and mother, you know. It’s not mine to give.

Diamond refuses to give away his jacket because it belongs to his parents, not him.

_Shows Diamond's sense of responsibility and honesty._

> He told me to come to him—that is, when I could read—and I can.

Diamond explains that Mr. Raymond invited him to visit once he learned to read, and he has now done so.

_Demonstrates Diamond's diligence and trust in Mr. Raymond's promise._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters/xxi-sal-s-nanny
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/at_the_back_of_the_north_wind_se/chapters