Little curly-haired Cedric had no idea he looked like a young lord. For that matter, he had no idea what a lord was. His greatest friend was that cross, opinionated groceryman at the corner, Mr. Hobbs -- who was never cross with him.

One day while visiting Mr. Hobbs, Cedric was called to hurry home. There his eyes met those of a tall old gentleman, splendidly dressed, who rubbed his thin chin with one bony hand. He seemed not at all displeased with what he saw.

"And so," said the man at last, slowly, "and so -- this is little Lord Fauntleroy!"

Francis Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) enjoyed international success with her 1886 novel Little Lord Fauntleroy -- a buoyant novel still popular more than a century later.

Recommended to book clubs by 0 of 0 members.