Mary Vance

Mary Vance
'Mary Martha Lucilla Moore Ball Vance'' was a girl, of twelve years of age, who was orphaned at birth and lived with the Mrs. Wiley of over harbour. Mistreated, the lass ran away, to be happened upon by the Meredith children. They took her in, and lived with her, until Una Meredith asked Mrs. Marshall Elliott (Cornelia Bryant of other days) to take the child in. Mrs. Elliott did so, and Mary was a fortunate helper for her. Mary grew up in the Glen, was renowned for her stinging tongue, and yet her 'set' would not give her up. "She's like a habit of ours... even when we're furious with her, we can't give her up." Said Diana Blythe. '''

Rainbow Valley
Mary entered the story of Rainbow Valley, at the very near beginning. When the Meredith children, (Jerry, Faith, Una and Carl) happened upon her in the Taylor barn, where the hungry waif was lying in the straw. She had not eaten since the previous Thursday, and Faith's kind heart went out to her. They brought Mary back home, fed her, and then went out into the Methodist Graveyard, where Mary told them all about her life. It became apparent that the girl had been very much mistreated by the infamous Mrs. Wiley, and the children decided to let Mary 'stay on' at the Manse... for the time being, at least.Mary proved a welcome addition. Despite her biting tongue and doubtful language, she could clean very well, and the Manse was reduced to a state of civility. Mary was afraid of the Reverend, did not like Martha, and was not on speaking terms with Nan Blythe, one of the Blythe children... constant playmates of the Merediths, and therefore indispensible. But they all grew to like Mary, and her weird eyes.

Appearances
Rainbow Valley (first appearance)

Rilla of Ingleside