All three novels are presented with art from the original editions and supplemented by seven rare stories and public letters--two restored to print tor the first time in more than a century--as well as notes identifying the many allusions, quotations, and autobiographical episodes.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 877-894).

Work : a story of experience : Christie -- Servant -- Actress -- Governess -- Companion -- Seamstress -- Through the mist -- A cure for despair -- Mrs. Wilkins's minister -- Beginning again -- In the strawberry bed -- Christie's gala -- Waking up -- Which? -- Midsummer -- Mustered in -- The colonel -- Sunrise -- Little heart's-ease -- At forty (1873) ; Eight cousins, or, The Aunt-Hill : Two girls -- The clan -- Uncles -- Aunts -- A belt and a box -- Uncle Alec's room -- A trip to China -- And what came of it -- Phebe's secret -- Rose's sacrifice -- Poor Mac -- "The other fellows" -- Cosey corner -- A happy birthday -- Ear-rings -- Bread and button-holes -- Good bargains -- Fashion and physiology -- Brother bones -- Under the mistletoe -- A scare -- Something to do -- Peace-making -- Which? (1875) ; Rose in bloom : a sequel to "Eight cousins" -- Coming home -- Old friends with new faces -- Miss Campbell -- Thorns among the roses -- Prince Charming -- Polishing Mac -- Phebe -- Breakers ahead --New-Year's calls -- The sad and sober part -- Small temptations -- At Kitty's ball -- Both sides -- Aunt Clara's plan -- Alas for Charlie! -- Good works -- Among the hay-cocks -- Which was it? -- Behind the fountain -- What Mac did -- How Phebe earned her welcome -- Short and sweet (1876); Other writings : Address of the Republican women of Massachusetts -- Kate's choice --How I went out to service -- Women's part in the Concord celebration -- Letter to the Woman's Journal, June 29, 1876 -- Anna's whim -- My girls.