The Secret Garden · Chapter
XXIV: “Let Them Laugh” explained
Colin and Mary continue to grow healthier and happier through their secret garden activities, but they must hide their improvement from Dr.
What happens
Colin and Mary continue to grow healthier and happier through their secret garden activities, but they must hide their improvement from Dr. Craven and the nurse to avoid letters being sent to Mr. Craven. They devise a plan of 'play actin'' to feign illness, though their appetites betray them. Mrs. Sowerby sends fresh milk and currant buns, and Dickon introduces roasted potatoes and eggs cooked in a makeshift oven. Colin's strength and belief in magic grow daily, and Dr. Craven, though puzzled, ultimately decides to let them laugh.
Themes in this chapter
Healing Power of Nature
Colin's health improves dramatically through time in the garden, fresh air, and moorland smells, reinforcing the restorative power of nature.
Transformation and Growth
Both Colin and Mary undergo physical and emotional transformation: Colin gains strength and color, Mary becomes pretty and cheerful, shedding her sour demeanor.
Secrecy and Discovery
Colin and Mary must keep their garden activities and improved health secret from adults, devising a plan to feign illness to avoid detection.
Characters to notice
- Colin Craven
Colin feigns illness to avoid his father being notified, but his appetite and strength betray his true improvement. He enjoys Mrs. Sowerby's buns and milk, and practices walking and exercises to build muscle.
- Mary Lennox
Mary breakfasts with Colin and struggles to suppress laughter when Colin claims an unnatural appetite. She has filled out and lost her sour look, now laughing with Colin.
- Dickon Sowerby
Dickon brings milk and buns from his mother, shows Colin how to roast potatoes and eggs in a stone oven, and learns exercises from Bob Haworth to help Colin build strength.
- Dr. Craven
Dr. Craven is puzzled by Colin's improvement but agrees not to write to Mr. Craven. He later inquires about secret food sources and decides to let the children laugh.
- Mrs. Sowerby
Mrs. Sowerby sends fresh milk and currant buns to the children, demonstrating her kindness and 'magic.' She is thanked profusely by Colin.
- Mrs. Medlock
Mrs. Medlock reports to Dr. Craven that the children stay out all day and have improved in appearance, noting Mary's transformation.
Key passages
““I won’t have him told!” Colin broke forth fiercely. “It will only disappoint him if I get worse again—and I may get worse this very night.””
Colin angrily refuses to let his father be informed of his improvement, fearing it will lead to disappointment if he relapses.
Colin's fear of disappointing his father drives his secrecy about his health.
““I think we shall have to eat it all this morning, Mary,” Colin always ended by saying. “We can send away some of the lunch and a great deal of the dinner.””
Colin and Mary give in to their appetites, planning to skip later meals to hide how much they eat.
Their growing appetites betray their improving health, forcing them to scheme.
““Magic is in her just as it is in Dickon,” said Colin. “It makes her think of ways to do things—nice things. She is a Magic person.””
Colin attributes Mrs. Sowerby's thoughtful gifts of food to a kind of magic, similar to Dickon's connection with nature.
Colin's belief in 'Magic' extends to the kindness of Mrs. Sowerby.
““Let them laugh.””
Dr. Craven decides not to interfere with the children's joy and improved health, allowing them to continue their secret activities.
The chapter's title reflects Dr. Craven's permissive attitude toward the children's happiness.
