Cousin Phillis

The narrative follows a young man's journey into independence as he settles into his first lodgings at seventeen, above a pastry shop in Eltham. With his father's guidance, he embarks on a new chapter as a clerk for a railway engineer, stepping into a role that elevates him socially. His father, a mechanic with inventive talent and perseverance, serves as a source of inspiration, embodying the values of hard work and ambition. The story reflects themes of self-discovery, familial influence, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth.