The Secret Garden Chapter 18 Summary

"Tha' Munnot Waste No Time"

  • The next morning, Mary tells Colin that she's going to meet Dickon and that, "it's something about the garden" (18.7).
  • Colin is so glad to hear it that he's willing to wait patiently until she comes back.
  • Dickon brings his fox, his rook, and two new animal friends: tame squirrels named Nut and Shell. (Dickon isn't exactly great with names, but anyone who can get squirrels to live quietly in their pockets probably deserves a pass for lack of creativity in naming.)
  • Back at the Manor, Mary tells Colin all about Dickon, his tame animals, and his moor horse named Jump.
  • Colin tells Mary that he wants to see Dickon—a huge personal breakthrough, since, of course, Colin hates everybody.
  • Mary promises Colin that Dickon will come the next day, with all his animals.
  • And Mary finally brings Colin in on the secret: They have found the door to the walled garden and seen inside.
  • Colin is overjoyed: He will live to see the inside of the Secret Garden.