Mary is introduced as a 10-year-old girl from India who was neglected by her parents and felt unloved. When a cholera outbreak kills her parents and servants, she is sent to live with her uncle in Yorkshire, England. On the journey there, she meets Mrs. Medlock, who tells her that her uncle has become a recluse since his wife's death. Mary is shown to her room and hears strange crying at night. She explores the gardens and makes two new friends - Dickon, a boy who can talk to animals, and Robin the bird. Robin leads her to discover the key to a hidden, locked garden. With Dickon's help, they find the secret door and see that