Four little girls, seven to twelve years old, are left in the care of a step-grandmother and an aunt. Sharing the top floor of their grandmother's mansion in New York City, their lives could have been very boring if not for an assortment of adventures.

They meet a musical neighbor through a secret door, have several adventures with a boy cousin, and fall into despair when they learn that their father is returning for them with a STEPMOTHER. They have learned from their books that stepmothers are not kind to their stepchildren. ... All in all, a surprisingly engaging story to read.