A masterpiece based on the altering circumstances of a town girl, An Old-Fashioned Girl was published in 1870. Set in late nineteenth century, the work presents Polly who comes to the city and lives with a rich urban family. How her simplicity and zest for life affects all those around her is the main focus of the work. That the material gains are not the only important factors of life is amply manifested. It further teaches about the duties that one owes to their family.