20 Going Outside

CHAPTER 20 Going Outside One day the children gathered in Colin's room to plan how Colin could go to the secret garden without anyone else finding it. When they had decided on a plan, Colin summoned Mr. Roach, the head gardener. Mr. Roach was alarmed because he'd heard stories about the boy's terrible temper and princely ways. He feared he might be ordered to cut down oak trees or dig up orchards.

When he entered, Colin's room was full of animals. Colin sat in an armchair, holding court. "I have some important orders for you," Colin said to Mr. Roach. "I'm going outside. If the fresh air agrees with me, I may go out every day. When I'm out, the gardeners are to work in the greenhouses until I say they can go back outside." Mr. Roach was relieved. "Very well, sir," he agreed. That afternoon, the strongest footman at Misselthwaite carried Colin downstairs. The nurse helped Colin into his wheelchair, surrounded by cushions with a blanket over his legs. Then Colin waved all the grown-ups away. Dickon pushed the chair outdoors slowly, and Mary walked beside it. At last they came to the long path by the ivycovered walls.

"This is where the robin flew over the wall," Mary said in a soft tone. She pointed at a spot under a lilac tree and said, "And that's where I found the key." They reached the place where the robin had perched in the ivy. "This is where the wind blew back the ivy," Mary explained. She held back the thick ivy to reveal the garden door. She turned the handle, and Dickon pushed Colin forward. Colin covered his eyes until they were inside. The door clicked shut. Colin dropped his hands and took his first look at the secret garden. All around he saw the tender green vines and branches of the rose plants. Overhead bloomed the white and pink puffs of blossoms in the fruit trees. Dotting the ground were gold and purple and white flowers. The air was full of chirping and

birdsong. The sun felt warm on his face. Mary and Dickon both stared at Colin. There was a pink glow in his ivory face, neck, and hands. Colin took a deep breath. "I shall get well!" he shouted with glee. "Mary! Dickon! And I shall live forever and ever!"