This is one of the many classic stories of our past, rescued from oblivion by former U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett, inside "The Book of Virtues."
"Little Orphant Annie" was written and published in November 1885 by James Whitcomb Riley. I have chosen to use the original English verbiage from the original poem by Riley. As is suggested by its inclusion in the compilation, this is a story of virtue, IF you can get through the creepy and spooky nature of the tale.
I think to myself, given his writing date, was he inspired by Halloween? The American version of the old Celtic holiday had become more familial in the 1800s. As a result, did Mr. Riley have an encounter with some greedy, ill-mannered children and, thus, become inspired to write the short story of virtue?
I cannot say for sure, but the verbiage used gives you grand insight into the era of the late 1800s and the story does have a redemptive end...IF you can get that far.