Esmeralda is a classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett. This book contains eighteen beautiful children's short stories by Frances Hodgson Burnett including M re Giraud's Little Daughter, Esmeralda and Little Saint Elizabeth In M re Giraud's Little Daughter, Laure is the favoured child, young and stunningly beautiful she is the pride and joy of her mother, and is envied by all in her small village in France. At fifteen, she says, "I regretted that I was not a genius; at five and twenty, I rejoice that I made the discovery so early, and so gave myself time to become grateful for the small gifts bestowed upon me. Why should I eat out my heart with envy? Is it not possible that I might be a less clever woman than I am, and a less lucky one?"