The Secret Garden, Chapter 8 summary

Chapter 8 of 27 · 11 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 8, Mary Lennox receives a skipping rope from Martha’s mother, enjoys exercising outdoors, and begins to show gratitude and affection toward Martha. When the robin draws her close to the garden wall, wind moves the ivy aside, revealing a door that her key unlocks, giving her access to the secret garden.

What happens

Mary keeps the key with her and searches the ivy-covered wall for a hidden door.
Martha describes her visit home and her mother’s concern about Mary’s loneliness.
Martha gives Mary a skipping rope bought by her mother, demonstrates its use, and receives Mary’s awkward thanks.
Mary practices outdoors, and Ben Weatherstaff notices her brighter appearance while the robin watches.
Near the robin, Mary sees wind expose a door knob beneath the ivy.
Mary clears the leaves, unlocks the door with her key, and steps into the secret garden.