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A Little Princess, Chapter 15 summary

Chapter 15 of 19 · 31 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 15, Sara admits her hunger to Ermengarde, whose gift of food becomes an attic party that Miss Minchin interrupts with threats and punishment. After Sara falls asleep in despair, an unseen visitor supplies warmth, food, and comforts, giving her evidence that someone cares and something real to share with Becky.

What happens

  1. Returning hungry and exhausted, Sara finds Ermengarde in the attic and offers to explain her new books without deceiving her father.
  2. Miss Minchin strikes Becky over missing food; Sara breaks down, and Ermengarde finally learns how hungry both girls are.
  3. Ermengarde fetches her hamper, while Sara and Becky turn scraps and old belongings into decorations for an imagined royal feast.
  4. Alerted by Lavinia, Miss Minchin interrupts before anyone eats, threatens Becky with dismissal, and orders punishments for Sara and Ermengarde.
  5. Sara falls asleep wishing for warmth and supper; an unseen figure leaves through the skylight before she wakes in a furnished attic.
  6. Sara tests the comforts, reads a message from an unnamed friend, and wakes Becky to share the discovery.

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In this chapter

SaraMiss MinchinBeckyErmengarde

What to notice

The gifts matter as proof of care, not merely as relief from cold and hunger. Sara moves from lonely despair to feeling supported.

Quick check

What convinces Sara that the new fire is not merely part of a dream?

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