In this chapter, the story delves deeper into Mary Lennox's exploration of Misselthwaite Manor, her new, foreboding home in England. Mary, still grappling with the loss of her parents and her discontent at being uprooted from India, wanders the vast and gloomy corridors of the manor. She is initially overwhelmed by the size and desolation of the house, which mirrors her own feelings of isolation and neglect.

During her explorations, Mary encounters several servants, including Martha, a maid who becomes a pivotal figure in her life. Martha shares with Mary the peculiarities of the manor, including the stories of its past and the strange inhabitants that once thrived there. In a conversation with Martha, Mary learns about a hidden garden that has been locked away for the past ten years. The mention of this secret garden ignites a spark of curiosity and longing in Mary, as she imagines a place that might hold beauty and life, contrasting sharply with her current surroundings.

Intrigued and determined, Mary becomes obsessed with the idea of finding this locked garden. The concept of a hidden, unkempt space resonates deeply with her, as it symbolizes her own potential for growth and transformation. The garden represents not only a physical space but also an emotional sanctuary where she could escape her loneliness and unhappiness.

Mary's determination grows as she learns more about the garden's neglect and the mystery surrounding it. She questions the servants about its whereabouts but receives little information, which only fuels her desire to uncover its secrets. The notion of a key becomes central to her quest—she imagines a key that would unlock the door to a new world, a world where she could flourish away from her gloomy existence.

As the chapter progresses, Mary’s character begins to shift subtly. The initial bitterness and entitlement she exhibited start to be replaced by a sense of purpose. The idea of the garden propels her from mere passive existence into active pursuit. This pivotal moment marks the beginning of her transformative journey, as she resolves to find the key that will grant her access to this hidden paradise.

This chapter serves as a crucial turning point in Mary's story, highlighting her growing sense of agency and foreshadowing the significant changes that will come as a result of her exploration and eventual discovery of the garden. The locked garden becomes a metaphor for Mary's own heart, waiting to be unlocked and nurtured, setting the stage for the healing journey that lies ahead.