Tom's Midnight Garden - Chapters 3 and 4 - Reading Comprehension answers

In Chapters 3 and 4 of "Tom's Midnight Garden," Tom is compelled to open the back door of his aunt and uncle's house to view the clock face, leading to the discovery of a garden that his relatives had denied existed. His initial surprise turns to indignation upon realising they had lied to him. When a maid in the garden fails to acknowledge him, Tom's confusion morphs into curiosity about the mysterious space. The allure of the real, tangible garden with climbable trees and fragrant hyacinths draws him back, despite his frustration with his aunt and uncle for their dishonesty. Tom's confrontation with them about lying stems from his desire to make them feel ashamed for deceiving him.

Aunt Gwen's laughter in response to Tom's description of the garden, particularly the hyacinths that supposedly don't bloom in summer, only adds to Tom's determination to prove the garden's existence. Feeling betrayed once more when he is unable to open the door again, Tom confides in his trusted cousin Peter. The phrase "joy in his heart" captures Tom's elation when he finally reopens the door, eager to explore the enchanting garden he had been right about all along. In under 50 words, these chapters follow Tom as he discovers a secret garden, feels betrayed by his aunt and uncle's lies, and finds solace in the garden's reality.