"I’vegoodnewsforyou，Anne，"saidDiana。"MotherandIhavejustgothomefromCarmody，andIsawMarySentnerfromSpencervaleinMr。Blair’sstore。ShesaystheoldCoppgirlsontheToryRoadhaveawillow-wareplatterandshethinksit’sexactlyliketheonewehadatthesupper。Shesaysthey’lllikelysellit，forMarthaCopphasneverbeenknowntokeepanythingsheCOULDsell；
　　butiftheywon’tthere’saplatteratWesleyKeyson’satSpencervaleandsheknowsthey’dsellit，butsheisn’tsureit’sjustthesamekindasAuntJosephine’s。"
　　"I’llgorightovertoSpencervaleafterittomorrow，"saidAnneresolutely，"andyoumustcomewithme。Itwillbesuchaweightoffmymind，forIhavetogototowndayaftertomorrowandhowcanIfaceyourAuntJosephinewithoutawillow-wareplatter？
　　ItwouldbeevenworsethanthetimeIhadtoconfessaboutjumpingonthespareroombed。"
　　Bothgirlslaughedovertheoldmemory……concerningwhich，ifanyofmyreadersareignorantandcurious，ImustreferthemtoAnne’searlierhistory。
　　Thenextafternoonthegirlsfaredforthontheirplatterhuntingexpedition。ItwastenmilestoSpencervaleandthedaywasnotespeciallypleasantfortraveling。Itwasverywarmandwindless，andthedustontheroadwassuchasmighthavebeenexpectedaftersixweeksofdryweather。
　　"Oh，Idowishitwouldrainsoon，"sighedAnne。"Everythingissoparchedup。Thepoorfieldsjustseempitifultomeandthetreesseemtobestretchingouttheirhandspleadingforrain。Asformygarden，ithurtsmeeverytimeIgointoit。IsupposeIshouldn’tcomplainaboutagardenwhenthefarmers’cropsaresufferingso。
　　Mr。Harrisonsayshispasturesaresoscorchedupthathispoorcowscanhardlygetabitetoeatandhefeelsguiltyofcrueltytoanimalseverytimehemeetstheireyes。"
　　AfterawearisomedrivethegirlsreachedSpencervaleandturneddownthe"Tory"Road……agreen，solitaryhighwaywherethestripsofgrassbetweenthewheeltracksboreevidencetolackoftravel。
　　Alongmostofitsextentitwaslinedwiththick-setyoungsprucescrowdingdowntotheroadway，withhereandthereabreakwherethebackfieldofaSpencervalefarmcameouttothefenceoranexpanseofstumpswasaflamewithfireweedandgoldenrod。
　　"WhyisitcalledtheToryRoad？"askedAnne。
　　"Mr。Allansaysitisontheprincipleofcallingaplaceagrovebecausetherearenotreesinit，"saidDiana，"fornobodylivesalongtheroadexcepttheCoppgirlsandoldMartinBovyeratthefurtherend，whoisaLiberal。TheTorygovernmentrantheroadthroughwhentheywereinpowerjusttoshowtheyweredoingsomething。"
　　Diana’sfatherwasaLiberal，forwhichreasonsheandAnneneverdiscussedpolitics。GreenGablesfolkhadalwaysbeenConservatives。
　　FinallythegirlscametotheoldCopphomestead……aplaceofsuchexceedingexternalneatnessthatevenGreenGableswouldhavesufferedbycontrast。Thehousewasaveryold-fashionedone，situatedonaslope，whichfacthadnecessitatedthebuildingofastonebasementunderoneend。Thehouseandout-buildingswereallwhitewashedtoaconditionofblindingperfectionandnotaweedwasvisibleintheprimkitchengardensurroundedbyitswhitepaling。
　　"Theshadesarealldown，"saidDianaruefully。"Ibelievethatnobodyishome。"
　　Thisprovedtobethecase。Thegirlslookedateachotherinperplexity。
　　"Idon’tknowwhattodo，"saidAnne。"IfIweresuretheplatterwastherightkindIwouldnotmindwaitinguntiltheycamehome。
　　Butifitisn’titmaybetoolatetogotoWesleyKeyson’safterward。"
　　Dianalookedatacertainlittlesquarewindowoverthebasement。
　　"Thatisthepantrywindow，Ifeelsure，"shesaid，"becausethishouseisjustlikeUncleCharles’atNewbridge，andthatistheirpantrywindow。Theshadeisn’tdown，soifweclimbedupontheroofofthatlittlehousewecouldlookintothepantryandmightbeabletoseetheplatter。Doyouthinkitwouldbeanyharm？"
　　"No，Idon’tthinkso，"decidedAnne，afterduereflection，"sinceourmotiveisnotidlecuriosity。"
　　Thisimportantpointofethicsbeingsettled，Annepreparedtomounttheaforesaid"littlehouse，"aconstructionoflathes，withapeakedroof，whichhadintimespastservedasahabitationforducks。TheCoppgirlshadgivenupkeepingducks……"becausetheyweresuchuntidybirds"……
　　andthehousehadnotbeeninuseforsomeyears，saveasanabodeofcorrectionforsettinghens。Althoughscrupulouslywhitewashedithadbecomesomewhatshaky，andAnnefeltratherdubiousasshescrambledupfromthevantagepointofakegplacedonabox。
　　"I’mafraiditwon’tbearmyweight，"shesaidasshegingerlysteppedontheroof。
　　"Leanonthewindowsill，"advisedDiana，andAnneaccordinglyleaned。
　　Muchtoherdelight，shesaw，asshepeeredthroughthepane，awillow-wareplatter，exactlysuchasshewasinquestof，ontheshelfinfrontofthewindow。Somuchshesawbeforethecatastrophecame。InherjoyAnneforgottheprecariousnatureofherfooting，incautiouslyceasedtoleanonthewindowsill，gaveanimpulsivelittlehopofpleasure……andthenextmomentshehadcrashedthroughtheroofuptoherarmpits，andthereshehung，quiteunabletoextricateherself。Dianadashedintotheduckhouseand，seizingherunfortunatefriendbythewaist，triedtodrawherdown。
　　"Ow……don’t，"shriekedpoorAnne。"Therearesomelongsplintersstickingintome。Seeifyoucanputsomethingundermyfeet……thenperhapsIcandrawmyselfup。"
　　DianahastilydraggedinthepreviouslymentionedkegandAnnefoundthatitwasjustsufficientlyhightofurnishasecurerestingplaceforherfeet。Butshecouldnotreleaseherself。
　　"CouldIpullyououtifIcrawledup？"suggestedDiana。
　　Anneshookherheadhopelessly。
　　"No……thesplintershurttoobadly。Ifyoucanfindanaxeyoumightchopmeout，though。Ohdear，IdoreallybegintobelievethatIwasbornunderanill-omenedstar。"
　　Dianasearchedfaithfullybutnoaxewastobefound。
　　"I’llhavetogoforhelp，"shesaid，returningtotheprisoner。
　　"No，indeed，youwon’t，"saidAnnevehemently。"IfyoudothestoryofthiswillgetouteverywhereandIshallbeashamedtoshowmyface。
　　No，wemustjustwaituntiltheCoppgirlscomehomeandbindthemtosecrecy。They’llknowwheretheaxeisandgetmeout。
　　I’mnotuncomfortable，aslongasIkeepperfectlystill……
　　notuncomfortableinBODYImean。IwonderwhattheCoppgirlsvaluethishouseat。IshallhavetopayforthedamageI’vedone，butIwouldn’tmindthatifIwereonlysuretheywouldunderstandmymotiveinpeepinginattheirpantrywindow。MysolecomfortisthattheplatterisjustthekindIwantandifMissCoppwillonlysellittomeIshallberesignedtowhathashappened。"
　　"WhatiftheCoppgirlsdon’tcomehomeuntilafternight……ortilltomorrow？"suggestedDiana。
　　"Ifthey’renotbackbysunsetyou’llhavetogoforotherassistance，Isuppose，"saidAnnereluctantly，"butyoumustn’tgountilyoureallyhaveto。Ohdear，thisisadreadfulpredicament。
　　Iwouldn’tmindmymisfortunessomuchiftheywereromantic，asMrs。Morgan’sheroines’alwaysare，buttheyarealwaysjustsimplyridiculous。FancywhattheCoppgirlswillthinkwhentheydriveintotheiryardandseeagirl’sheadandshouldersstickingoutoftheroofofoneoftheirouthouses。Listen……isthatawagon？No，Diana，Ibelieveitisthunder。"
　　Thunderitwasundoubtedly，andDiana，havingmadeahastypilgrimagearoundthehouse，returnedtoannouncethataveryblackcloudwasrisingrapidlyinthenorthwest。
　　"Ibelievewe’regoingtohaveaheavythunder-shower，"sheexclaimedindismay，"Oh，Anne，whatwillwedo？"
　　"Wemustprepareforit，"saidAnnetranquilly。Athunderstormseemedatrifleincomparisonwithwhathadalreadyhappened。
　　"You’dbetterdrivethehorseandbuggyintothatopenshed。
　　Fortunatelymyparasolisinthebuggy。Here……takemyhatwithyou。MarillatoldmeIwasagoosetoputonmybesthattocometotheToryRoadandshewasright，asshealwaysis。"
　　Dianauntiedtheponyanddroveintotheshed，justasthefirstheavydropsofrainfell。Thereshesatandwatchedtheresultingdownpour，whichwassothickandheavythatshecouldhardlyseeAnnethroughit，holdingtheparasolbravelyoverherbarehead。
　　Therewasnotagreatdealofthunder，butforthebestpartofanhourtheraincamemerrilydown。OccasionallyAnneslantedbackherparasolandwavedanencouraginghandtoherfriend；Butconversationatthatdistancewasquiteoutofthequestion。
　　Finallytherainceased，thesuncameout，andDianaventuredacrossthepuddlesoftheyard。
　　"Didyougetverywet？"sheaskedanxiously。
　　"Oh，no，"returnedAnnecheerfully。"Myheadandshouldersarequitedryandmyskirtisonlyalittledampwheretherainbeatthroughthelathes。Don’tpityme，Diana，forIhaven’tmindeditatall。Ikeptthinkinghowmuchgoodtherainwilldoandhowgladmygardenmustbeforit，andimaginingwhattheflowersandbudswouldthinkwhenthedropsbegantofall。Iimaginedoutamostinterestingdialoguebetweentheastersandthesweetpeasandthewildcanariesinthelilacbushandtheguardianspiritofthegarden。
　　WhenIgohomeImeantowriteitdown。IwishIhadapencilandpapertodoitnow，becauseIdaresayI’llforgetthebestpartsbeforeIreachhome。"
　　Dianathefaithfulhadapencilanddiscoveredasheetofwrappingpaperintheboxofthebuggy。Annefoldedupherdrippingparasol，putonherhat，spreadthewrappingpaperonashingleDianahandedup，andwroteouthergardenidylunderconditionsthatcouldhardlybeconsideredasfavorabletoliterature。
　　Nevertheless，theresultwasquitepretty，andDianawas"enraptured"whenAnnereadittoher。
　　"Oh，Anne，it’ssweet……justsweet。DOsendittothe`CanadianWoman。’"
　　Anneshookherhead。
　　"Oh，no，itwouldn’tbesuitableatall。ThereisnoPLOTinit，yousee。It’sjustastringoffancies。Ilikewritingsuchthings，butofcoursenothingofthesortwouldeverdoforpublication，foreditorsinsistonplots，soPriscillasays。Oh，there’sMissSarahCoppnow。PLEASE，Diana，goandexplain。"
　　MissSarahCoppwasasmallperson，garbedinshabbyblack，withahatchosenlessforvainadornmentthanforqualitiesthatwouldwearwell。
　　Shelookedasamazedasmightbeexpectedonseeingthecurioustableauinheryard，butwhensheheardDiana’sexplanationshewasallsympathy。
　　Shehurriedlyunlockedthebackdoor，producedtheaxe，andwithafewskillfullblowssetAnnefree。Thelatter，somewhattiredandstiff，duckeddownintotheinteriorofherprisonandthankfullyemergedintolibertyoncemore。
　　"MissCopp，"shesaidearnestly。"IassureyouIlookedintoyourpantrywindowonlytodiscoverifyouhadawillow-wareplatter。
　　Ididn’tseeanythingelse——Ididn’tLOOKforanythingelse。"
　　"Blessyou，that’sallright，"saidMissSarahamiably。"Youneedn’tworry——there’snoharmdone。Thankgoodness，weCoppskeepourpantriespresentableatalltimesanddon’tcarewhoseesintothem。Asforthatoldduckhouse，I’mgladit’ssmashed，formaybenowMarthawillagreetohavingittakendown。SheneverwouldbeforeforfearitmightcomeinhandysometimeandI’vehadtowhitewashiteveryspring。ButyoumightaswellarguewithapostaswithMartha。Shewenttotowntoday——Idrovehertothestation。
　　Andyouwanttobuymyplatter。Well，whatwillyougiveforit？"
　　"Twentydollars，"saidAnne，whowasnevermeanttomatchbusinesswitswithaCopp，orshewouldnothaveofferedherpriceatthestart。
　　"Well，I’llsee，"saidMissSarahcautiously。"Thatplatterisminefortunately，orI’dneverdaretosellitwhenMarthawasn’there。
　　Asitis，Idaresayshe’llraiseafuss。Martha’sthebossofthisestablishmentIcantellyou。I’mgettingawfultiredoflivingunderanotherwoman’sthumb。Butcomein，comein。Youmustberealtiredandhungry。I’lldothebestIcanforyouinthewayofteabutIwarnyounottoexpectanythingbutbreadandbutterandsomecowcumbers。Marthalockedupallthecakeandcheeseandpreservesaforeshewent。Shealwaysdoes，becauseshesaysI’mtooextravagantwiththemifcompanycomes。"
　　Thegirlswerehungryenoughtodojusticetoanyfare，andtheyenjoyedMissSarah’sexcellentbreadandbutterand"cowcumbers"
　　thoroughly。WhenthemealwasoverMissSarahsaid，"Idon’tknowasImindsellingtheplatter。Butit’sworthtwenty-fivedollars。It’saveryoldplatter。"
　　DianagaveAnne’sfootagentlekickunderthetable，meaning，"Don’tagree——she’llletitgofortwentyifyouholdout。"
　　ButAnnewasnotmindedtotakeanychancesinregardtothatpreciousplatter。Shepromptlyagreedtogivetwenty-fiveandMissSarahlookedasifshefeltsorryshehadn’taskedforthirty。
　　"Well，Iguessyoumayhaveit。IwantallthemoneyIcanscareupjustnow。Thefactis——"MissSarahthrewupherheadimportantly，withaproudflushonherthincheeks——"I’mgoingtobemarried——toLutherWallace。Hewantedmetwentyyearsago。
　　Ilikedhimrealwellbuthewaspoorthenandfatherpackedhimoff。
　　Is’poseIshouldn’thavelethimgosomeekbutIwastimidandfrightenedoffather。Besides，Ididn’tknowmenweresoskurse。"
　　Whenthegirlsweresafelyaway，DianadrivingandAnneholdingthecovetedplattercarefullyonherlap，thegreen，rain-freshenedsolitudesoftheToryRoadwereenlivenedbyripplesofgirlishlaughter。
　　"I’llamuseyourAuntJosephinewiththe`strangeeventfulhistory’
　　ofthisafternoonwhenIgototowntomorrow。We’vehadarathertryingtimebutit’sovernow。I’vegottheplatter，andthatrainhaslaidthedustbeautifully。So`all’swellthatendswell。’"
　　"We’renothomeyet，"saidDianaratherpessimistically，"andthere’snotellingwhatmayhappenbeforeweare。You’resuchagirltohaveadventures，Anne。"
　　"Havingadventurescomesnaturaltosomepeople，"saidAnneserenely。"Youjusthaveagiftforthemoryouhaven’t。"
　　XIX
　　JustaHappyDay"Afterall，"AnnehadsaidtoMarillaonce，"Ibelievethenicestandsweetestdaysarenotthoseonwhichanythingverysplendidorwonderfulorexcitinghappensbutjustthosethatbringsimplelittlepleasures，followingoneanothersoftly，likepearlsslippingoffastring。"
　　LifeatGreenGableswasfullofjustsuchdays，forAnne’sadventuresandmisadventures，likethoseofotherpeople，didnotallhappenatonce，butweresprinkledovertheyear，withlongstretchesofharmless，happydaysbetween，filledwithworkanddreamsandlaughterandlessons。
　　SuchadaycamelateinAugust。IntheforenoonAnneandDianarowedthedelightedtwinsdownthepondtothesandshoretopick"sweetgrass"
　　andpaddleinthesurf，overwhichthewindwasharpinganoldlyriclearnedwhentheworldwasyoung。
　　IntheafternoonAnnewalkeddowntotheoldIrvingplacetoseePaul。
　　Shefoundhimstretchedoutonthegrassybankbesidethethickfirgrovethatshelteredthehouseonthenorth，absorbedinabookoffairytales。Hesprangupradiantlyatsightofher。
　　"Oh，I’msogladyou’vecome，teacher，"hesaideagerly，"becauseGrandma’saway。You’llstayandhaveteawithme，won’tyou？
　　It’ssolonesometohaveteaallbyoneself。YOUknow，teacher。
　　I’vehadseriousthoughtsofaskingYoungMaryJoetositdownandeatherteawithme，butIexpectGrandmawouldn’tapprove。
　　ShesaystheFrenchhavetobekeptintheirplace。Andanyhow，it’sdifficulttotalkwithYoungMaryJoe。Shejustlaughsandsays，`Well，yousdobeatalldekidsIeverknowed。’Thatisn’tmyideaofconversation。"
　　"OfcourseI’llstaytotea，"saidAnnegaily。"Iwasdyingtobeasked。Mymouthhasbeenwateringforsomemoreofyourgrandma’sdeliciousshortbreadeversinceIhadteaherebefore。"
　　Paullookedverysober。
　　"Ifitdependedonme，teacher，"hesaid，standingbeforeAnnewithhishandsinhispocketsandhisbeautifullittlefaceshadowedwithsuddencare，"Youshouldhaveshortbreadwitharightgoodwill。
　　ButitdependsonMaryJoe。IheardGrandmatellherbeforesheleftthatshewasn’ttogivemeanyshortcakebecauseitwastoorichforlittleboys’stomachs。ButmaybeMaryJoewillcutsomeforyouifIpromiseIwon’teatany。Letushopeforthebest。"
　　"Yes，letus，"agreedAnne，whomthischeerfulphilosophysuitedexactly，"andifMaryJoeproveshard-heartedandwon’tgivemeanyshortbreaditdoesn’tmatterintheleast，soyouarenottoworryoverthat。"
　　"You’resureyouwon’tmindifshedoesn’t？"saidPaulanxiously。
　　"Perfectlysure，dearheart。"
　　"ThenIwon’tworry，"saidPaul，withalongbreathofrelief，"especiallyasIreallythinkMaryJoewilllistentoreason。
　　She’snotanaturallyunreasonableperson，butshehaslearnedbyexperiencethatitdoesn’tdotodisobeyGrandma’sorders。
　　Grandmaisanexcellentwomanbutpeoplemustdoasshetellsthem。
　　ShewasverymuchpleasedwithmethismorningbecauseImanagedatlasttoeatallmyplatefulofporridge。ItwasagreateffortbutIsucceeded。Grandmasaysshethinksshe’llmakeamanofmeyet。
　　But，teacher，Iwanttoaskyouaveryimportantquestion。
　　Youwillanswerittruthfully，won’tyou？"
　　"I’lltry，"promisedAnne。
　　"DoyouthinkI’mwronginmyupperstory？"askedPaul，asifhisveryexistencedependedonherreply。
　　"Goodness，no，Paul，"exclaimedAnneinamazement。"Certainlyyou’renot。Whatputsuchanideaintoyourhead？"
　　"MaryJoe……butshedidn’tknowIheardher。Mrs。PeterSloane’shiredgirl，Veronica，cametoseeMaryJoelasteveningandIheardthemtalkinginthekitchenasIwasgoingthroughthehall。
　　IheardMaryJoesay，`DatPaul，heisdequeeres’leetleboy。
　　Hetalksdatqueer。Itinkdere’ssometingwronginhisupperstory。’
　　Icouldn’tsleeplastnightforeversolong，thinkingofit，andwonderingifMaryJoewasright。Icouldn’tbeartoaskGrandmaaboutitsomehow，butImadeupmymindI’daskyou。I’msogladyouthinkI’mallrightinmyupperstory。"
　　"Ofcourseyouare。MaryJoeisasilly，ignorantgirl，andyouarenevertoworryaboutanythingshesays，"saidAnneindignantly，secretlyresolvingtogiveMrs。IrvingadiscreethintastotheadvisabilityofrestrainingMaryJoe’stongue。
　　"Well，that’saweightoffmymind，"saidPaul。"I’mperfectlyhappynow，teacher，thankstoyou。Itwouldn’tbenicetohavesomethingwronginyourupperstory，wouldit，teacher？
　　IsupposethereasonMaryJoeimaginesIhaveisbecauseItellherwhatIthinkaboutthingssometimes。"
　　"Itisaratherdangerouspractice，"admittedAnne，outofthedepthsofherownexperience。
　　"Well，byandbyI’lltellyouthethoughtsItoldMaryJoeandyoucanseeforyourselfifthere’sanythingqueerinthem，"saidPaul，"butI’llwaittillitbeginstogetdark。ThatisthetimeIachetotellpeoplethings，andwhennobodyelseishandyIjustHAVEtotellMaryJoe。ButafterthisIwon’t，ifitmakesherimagineI’mwronginmyupperstory。I’lljustacheandbearit。"
　　"AndiftheachegetstoobadyoucancomeuptoGreenGablesandtellmeyourthoughts，"suggestedAnne，withallthegravitythatendearedhertochildren，whosodearlylovetobetakenseriously。
　　"Yes，Iwill。ButIhopeDavywon’tbetherewhenIgobecausehemakesfacesatme。Idon’tmindVERYmuchbecauseheissuchalittleboyandIamquiteabigone，butstillitisnotpleasanttohavefacesmadeatyou。AndDavymakessuchterribleones。
　　SometimesIamfrightenedhewillnevergethisfacestraightenedoutagain。HemakesthematmeinchurchwhenIoughttobethinkingofsacredthings。Doralikesmethough，andIlikeher，butnotsowellasIdidbeforeshetoldMinnieMayBarrythatshemeanttomarrymewhenIgrewup。ImaymarrysomebodywhenIgrowupbutI’mfartooyoungtobethinkingofityet，don’tyouthink，teacher？"
　　"Ratheryoung，"agreedteacher。
　　"Speakingofmarrying，remindsmeofanotherthingthathasbeentroublingmeoflate，"continuedPaul。"Mrs。LyndewasdownhereonedaylastweekhavingteawithGrandma，andGrandmamademeshowhermylittlemother’spicture……theonefathersentmeformybirthdaypresent。Ididn’texactlywanttoshowittoMrs。Lynde。
　　Mrs。Lyndeisagood，kindwoman，butsheisn’tthesortofpersonyouwanttoshowyourmother’spictureto。YOUknow，teacher。
　　ButofcourseIobeyedGrandma。Mrs。Lyndesaidshewasveryprettyutkindofactressylooking，andmusthavebeenanawfullotyoungerthanfather。Thenshesaid，`Someofthesedaysyourpawillbemarryingagainlikely。Howwillyouliketohaveanewma，MasterPaul？’Well，theideaalmosttookmybreathaway，teacher，butIwasn’tgoingtoletMrs。LyndeseeTHAT。Ijustlookedherstraightintheface……likethis……andIsaid，`Mrs。Lynde，fathermadeaprettygoodjobofpickingoutmyfirstmotherandI
　　couldtrusthimtopickoutjustasgoodaonethesecondtime。’
　　AndICANtrusthim，teacher。Butstill，Ihope，ifheeverdoesgivemeanewmother，he’llaskmyopinionaboutherbeforeit’stoolate。There’sMaryJoecomingtocallustotea。I’llgoandconsultwithherabouttheshortbread。"
　　Asaresultofthe"consultation，"MaryJoecuttheshortbreadandaddedadishofpreservestothebilloffare。AnnepouredtheteaandsheandPaulhadaverymerrymealinthedimoldsittingroomwhosewindowswereopentothegulfbreezes，andtheytalkedsomuch"nonsense"thatMaryJoewasquitescandalizedandtoldVeronicathenexteveningthat"deschoolmees"wasasqueerasPaul。
　　AfterteaPaultookAnneuptohisroomtoshowherhismother’spicture，whichhadbeenthemysteriousbirthdaypresentkeptbyMrs。Irvinginthebookcase。Paul’slittlelow-ceilingedroomwasasoftwhirlofruddylightfromthesunthatwassettingovertheseaandswingingshadowsfromthefirtreesthatgrewclosetothesquare，deep-setwindow。Fromoutthissoftglowandglamorshoneasweet，girlishface，withtendermothereyes，thatwashangingonthewallatthefootofthebed。
　　"That’smylittlemother，"saidPaulwithlovingpride。"IgotGrandmatohangittherewhereI’dseeitassoonasIopenedmyeyesinthemorning。InevermindnothavingthelightwhenIgotobednow，becauseitjustseemsasifmylittlemotherwasrightherewithme。FatherknewjustwhatIwouldlikeforabirthdaypresent，althoughheneveraskedme。Isn’titwonderfulhowmuchfathersDOknow？"
　　"Yourmotherwasverylovely，Paul，andyoulookalittlelikeher。
　　Buthereyesandhairaredarkerthanyours。"
　　"Myeyesarethesamecolorasfather’s，"saidPaul，flyingabouttheroomtoheapallavailablecushionsonthewindowseat，"butfather’shairisgray。Hehaslotsofit，butitisgray。
　　Yousee，fatherisnearlyfifty。That’sripeoldage，isn’tit？
　　Butit’sonlyOUTSIDEhe’sold。INSIDEhe’sjustasyoungasanybody。
　　Now，teacher，pleasesithere；andI’llsitatyourfeet。MayIlaymyheadagainstyourknee？That’sthewaymylittlemotherandI
　　usedtosit。Oh，thisisrealsplendid，Ithink。"
　　"Now，IwanttohearthosethoughtswhichMaryJoepronouncessoqueer，"
　　saidAnne，pattingthemopofcurlsatherside。Paulneverneededanycoaxingtotellhisthoughts……atleast，tocongenialsouls。
　　"Ithoughtthemoutinthefirgroveonenight，"hesaiddreamily。
　　"OfcourseIdidn’tBELIEVEthembutITHOUGHTthem。YOUknow，teacher。AndthenIwantedtotellthemtosomebodyandtherewasnobodybutMaryJoe。MaryJoewasinthepantrysettingbreadandIsatdownonthebenchbesideherandIsaid，`MaryJoe，doyouknowwhatIthink？Ithinktheeveningstarisalighthouseonthelandwherethefairiesdwell。’AndMaryJoesaid，`Well，yousaredequeerone。Dareain’tnosuchtingasfairies。’Iwasverymuchprovoked。Ofcourse，Iknewtherearenofairies；butthatneedn’tpreventmythinkingthereis。Youknow，teacher。ButItriedagainquitepatiently。Isaid，`Wellthen，MaryJoe，doyouknowwhatIthink？Ithinkanangelwalksovertheworldafterthesunsets……agreat，tall，whiteangel，withsilveryfoldedwings……
　　andsingstheflowersandbirdstosleep。Childrencanhearhimiftheyknowhowtolisten。’ThenMaryJoeheldupherhandsalloverflourandsaid，`Well，yousaredequeerleetleboy。
　　Yousmakemefeelscare。’Andshereallydidlookedscared。
　　Iwentoutthenandwhisperedtherestofmythoughtstothegarden。
　　Therewasalittlebirchtreeinthegardenanditdied。Grandmasaysthesaltspraykilledit；butIthinkthedryadbelongingtoitwasafoolishdryadwhowanderedawaytoseetheworldandgotlost。
　　Andthelittletreewassolonelyitdiedofabrokenheart。"
　　"Andwhenthepoor，foolishlittledryadgetstiredoftheworldandcomesbacktohertreeHERheartwillbreak，"saidAnne。
　　"Yes；butifdryadsarefoolishtheymusttaketheconsequences，justasiftheywererealpeople，"saidPaulgravely。"DoyouknowwhatIthinkaboutthenewmoon，teacher？Ithinkitisalittlegoldenboatfullofdreams。"
　　"Andwhenittipsonacloudsomeofthemspilloutandfallintoyoursleep。"
　　"Exactly，teacher。Oh，youDOknow。AndIthinkthevioletsarelittlesnipsoftheskythatfelldownwhentheangelscutoutholesforthestarstoshinethrough。Andthebuttercupsaremadeoutofoldsunshine；andIthinkthesweetpeaswillbebutterflieswhentheygotoheaven。Now，teacher，doyouseeanythingsoveryqueeraboutthosethoughts？"
　　"No，laddiedear，theyarenotqueeratall；theyarestrangeandbeautifulthoughtsforalittleboytothink，andsopeoplewhocouldn’tthinkanythingofthesortthemselves，iftheytriedforahundredyears，thinkthemqueer。Butkeeponthinkingthem，Paul……somedayyouaregoingtobeapoet，Ibelieve。"
　　WhenAnnereachedhomeshefoundaverydifferenttypeofboyhoodwaitingtobeputtobed。Davywassulky；andwhenAnnehadundressedhimhebouncedintobedandburiedhisfaceinthepillow。
　　"Davy，youhaveforgottentosayyourprayers，"saidAnnerebukingly。
　　"No，Ididn’tforget，"saidDavydefiantly，"butIain’tgoingtosaymyprayersanymore。I’mgoingtogiveuptryingtobegood，’causenomatterhowgoodIamyou’dlikePaulIrvingbetter。
　　SoImightaswellbebadandhavethefunofit。"
　　"Idon’tlikePaulIrvingBETTER，"saidAnneseriously。"Ilikeyoujustaswell，onlyinadifferentway。"
　　"ButIwantyoutolikemethesameway，"poutedDavy。
　　"Youcan’tlikedifferentpeoplethesameway。Youdon’tlikeDoraandmethesameway，doyou？"
　　Davysatupandreflected。
　　"No……o……o，"headmittedatlast，"IlikeDorabecauseshe’smysisterbutIlikeyoubecauseyou’reYOU。"
　　"AndIlikePaulbecauseheisPaulandDavybecauseheisDavy，"
　　saidAnnegaily。
　　"Well，IkindofwishI’dsaidmyprayersthen，"saidDavy，convincedbythislogic。"Butit’stoomuchbothergettingoutnowtosaythem。
　　I’llsaythemtwiceoverinthemorning，Anne。Won’tthatdoaswell？"
　　No，Annewaspositiveitwouldnotdoaswell。SoDavyscrambledoutandkneltdownatherknee。Whenhehadfinishedhisdevotionsheleanedbackonhislittle，bare，brownheelsandlookedupather。
　　"Anne，I’mgooderthanIusedtobe。"
　　"Yes，indeedyouare，Davy，"saidAnne，whoneverhesitatedtogivecreditwherecreditwasdue。
　　"IKNOWI’mgooder，"saidDavyconfidently，"andI’lltellyouhowIknowit。TodayMarillagivemetwopiecesofbreadandjam，oneformeandoneforDora。OnewasagooddealbiggerthantheotherandMarilladidn’tsaywhichwasmine。ButIgivethebiggestpiecetoDora。Thatwasgoodofme，wasn’tit？"
　　"Verygood，andverymanly，Davy。"
　　"Ofcourse，"admittedDavy，"Dorawasn’tveryhungryandsheonlyethalfhersliceandthenshegivetheresttome。ButIdidn’tknowshewasgoingtodothatwhenIgiveittoher，soIWASgood，Anne。"
　　InthetwilightAnnesauntereddowntotheDryad’sBubbleandsawGilbertBlythecomingdownthroughtheduskyHauntedWood。ShehadasuddenrealizationthatGilbertwasaschoolboynolonger。Andhowmanlyhelooked——thetall，frank-facedfellow，withtheclear，straightforwardeyesandthebroadshoulders。AnnethoughtGilbertwasaveryhandsomelad，eventhoughhedidn’tlookatalllikeheridealman。SheandDianahadlongagodecidedwhatkindofamantheyadmiredandtheirtastesseemedexactlysimilar。Hemustbeverytallanddistinguishedlooking，withmelancholy，inscrutableeyes，andamelting，sympatheticvoice。TherewasnothingeithermelancholyorinscrutableinGilbert’sphysiognomy，butofcoursethatdidn’tmatterinfriendship！
　　GilbertstretchedhimselfoutonthefernsbesidetheBubbleandlookedapprovinglyatAnne。IfGilberthadbeenaskedtodescribehisidealwomanthedescriptionwouldhaveansweredpointforpointtoAnne，eventothoseseventinyfreckleswhoseobnoxiouspresencestillcontinuedtovexhersoul。Gilbertwasasyetlittlemorethanaboy；butaboyhashisdreamsashaveothers，andinGilbert’sfuturetherewasalwaysagirlwithbig，limpidgrayeyes，andafaceasfineanddelicateasaflower。Hehadmadeuphismind，also，thathisfuturemustbeworthyofitsgoddess。
　　EveninquietAvonleathereweretemptationstobemetandfaced。
　　WhiteSandsyouthwerearather"fast"set，andGilbertwaspopularwhereverhewent。ButhemeanttokeephimselfworthyofAnne’sfriendshipandperhapssomedistantdayherlove；andhewatchedoverwordandthoughtanddeedasjealouslyasifhercleareyesweretopassinjudgmentonit。Sheheldoverhimtheunconsciousinfluencethateverygirl，whoseidealsarehighandpure，wieldsoverherfriends；aninfluencewhichwouldendureaslongasshewasfaithfultothoseidealsandwhichshewouldascertainlyloseifshewereeverfalsetothem。InGilbert’seyesAnne’sgreatestcharmwasthefactthatsheneverstoopedtothepettypracticesofsomanyoftheAvonleagirls——thesmalljealousies，thelittledeceitsandrivalries，thepalpablebidsforfavor。Anneheldherselfapartfromallthis，notconsciouslyorofdesign，butsimplybecauseanythingofthesortwasutterlyforeigntohertransparent，impulsivenature，crystalclearinitsmotivesandaspirations。
　　ButGilbertdidnotattempttoputhisthoughtsintowords，forhehadalreadytoogoodreasontoknowthatAnnewouldmercilesslyandfrostilynipallattemptsatsentimentinthebud——orlaughathim，whichwastentimesworse。
　　"Youlooklikearealdryadunderthatbirchtree，"hesaidteasingly。
　　"Ilovebirchtrees，"saidAnne，layinghercheekagainstthecreamysatinoftheslimbole，withoneofthepretty，caressinggesturesthatcamesonaturaltoher。
　　"Thenyou’llbegladtohearthatMr。MajorSpencerhasdecidedtosetoutarowofwhitebirchesallalongtheroadfrontofhisfarm，bywayofencouragingtheA。V。I。S。，"saidGilbert。
　　"Hewastalkingtomeaboutittoday。MajorSpenceristhemostprogressiveandpublic-spiritedmaninAvonlea。AndMr。WilliamBellisgoingtosetoutasprucehedgealonghisroadfrontanduphislane。OurSocietyisgettingonsplendidly，Anne。Itispasttheexperimentalstageandisanacceptedfact。TheolderfolksarebeginningtotakeaninterestinitandtheWhiteSandspeoplearetalkingofstartingonetoo。EvenElishaWrighthascomearoundsincethatdaytheAmericansfromthehotelhadthepicnicattheshore。TheypraisedourroadsidessohighlyandsaidtheyweresomuchprettierthaninanyotherpartoftheIsland。Andwhen，induetime，theotherfarmersfollowMr。Spencer’sgoodexampleandplantornamentaltreesandhedgesalongtheirroadfrontsAvonleawillbetheprettiestsettlementintheprovince。"
　　"TheAidsaretalkingoftakingupthegraveyard，"saidAnne，"andI
　　hopetheywill，becausetherewillhavetobeasubscriptionforthat，anditwouldbenousefortheSocietytotryitafterthehallaffair。
　　ButtheAidswouldneverhavestirredinthematteriftheSocietyhadn’tputitintotheirthoughtsunofficially。Thosetreesweplantedonthechurchgroundsareflourishing，andthetrusteeshavepromisedmethattheywillfenceintheschoolgroundsnextyear。
　　IftheydoI’llhaveanarbordayandeveryscholarshallplantatree；
　　andwe’llhaveagardeninthecornerbytheroad。"
　　"We’vesucceededinalmostallourplanssofar，exceptingettingtheoldBoulterhouseremoved，"saidGilbert，"andI’vegivenTHATupindespair。
　　Leviwon’thaveittakendownjusttovexus。There’sacontrarystreakinalltheBoultersandit’sstronglydevelopedinhim。"
　　"JuliaBellwantstosendanothercommitteetohim，butIthinkthebetterwaywilljustbetoleavehimseverelyalone，"saidAnnesagely。
　　"AndtrusttoProvidence，asMrs。Lyndesays，"smiledGilbert。
　　"Certainly，nomorecommittees。Theyonlyaggravatehim。
　　JuliaBellthinksyoucandoanything，ifyouonlyhaveacommitteetoattemptit。Nextspring，Anne，wemuststartanagitationfornicelawnsandgrounds。We’llsowgoodseedbetimesthiswinter。
　　I’veatreatisehereonlawnsandlawnmakingandI’mgoingtoprepareapaperonthesubjectsoon。Well，Isupposeourvacationisalmostover。SchoolopensMonday。HasRubyGillisgottheCarmodyschool？"
　　"Yes；Priscillawrotethatshehadtakenherownhomeschool，sotheCarmodytrusteesgaveittoRuby。I’msorryPriscillaisnotcomingback，butsinceshecan’tI’mgladRubyhasgottheschool。
　　ShewillbehomeforSaturdaysanditwillseemlikeoldtimes，tohaveherandJaneandDianaandmyselfalltogetheragain。"
　　Marilla，justhomefromMrs。Lynde’s，wassittingonthebackporchstepwhenAnnereturnedtothehouse。
　　"RachelandIhavedecidedtohaveourcruisetotowntomorrow，"
　　shesaid。"Mr。LyndeisfeelingbetterthisweekandRachelwantstogobeforehehasanothersickspell。"
　　"Iintendtogetupextraearlytomorrowmorning，forI’veeversomuchtodo，"saidAnnevirtuously。"Foronething，I’mgoingtoshiftthefeathersfrommyoldbedticktothenewone。IoughttohavedoneitlongagobutI’vejustkeptputtingitoff……
　　it’ssuchadetestabletask。It’saverybadhabittoputoffdisagreeablethings，andInevermeantoagain，orelseIcan’tcomfortablytellmypupilsnottodoit。Thatwouldbeinconsistent。
　　ThenIwanttomakeacakeforMr。HarrisonandfinishmypaperongardensfortheA。V。I。S。，andwriteStella，andwashandstarchmymuslindress，andmakeDora’snewapron。"
　　"Youwon’tgethalfdone，"saidMarillapessimistically。"Ineveryetplannedtodoalotofthingsbutsomethinghappenedtopreventme。"
　　XX
　　TheWayItOftenHappensAnnerosebetimesthenextmorningandblithelygreetedthefreshday，whenthebannersofthesunrisewereshakentriumphantlyacrossthepearlyskies。GreenGableslayinapoolofsunshine，fleckedwiththedancingshadowsofpoplarandwillow。BeyondthelandwasMr。Harrison’swheatfield，agreat，windrippledexpanseofpalegold。
　　TheworldwassobeautifulthatAnnespenttenblissfulminuteshangingidlyoverthegardengatedrinkingthelovelinessin。
　　AfterbreakfastMarillamadereadyforherjourney。Dorawastogowithher，havingbeenlongpromisedthistreat。
　　"Now，Davy，youtrytobeagoodboyanddon’tbotherAnne，"shestraitlychargedhim。"IfyouaregoodI’llbringyouastripedcandycanefromtown。"
　　Foralas，Marillahadstoopedtotheevilhabitofbribingpeopletobegood！
　　"Iwon’tbebadonpurpose，buts’posenI’mbadzacksidentally？"
　　Davywantedtoknow。
　　"You’llhavetoguardagainstaccidents，"admonishedMarilla。
　　"Anne，ifMr。Shearercomestodaygetaniceroastandsomesteak。
　　Ifhedoesn’tyou’llhavetokillafowlfordinnertomorrow。"
　　Annenodded。
　　"I’mnotgoingtobothercookinganydinnerforjustDavyandmyselftoday，"
　　shesaid。"ThatcoldhambonewilldofornoonlunchandI’llhavesomesteakfriedforyouwhenyoucomehomeatnight。"
　　"I’mgoingtohelpMr。Harrisonhauldulsethismorning，"announcedDavy。
　　"Heaskedmeto，andIguesshe’llaskmetodinnertoo。Mr。Harrisonisanawfulkindman。He’sarealsociableman。IhopeI’llbelikehimwhenIgrowup。ImeanBEHAVElikehim……Idon’twanttoLOOKlikehim。
　　ButIguessthere’snodanger，forMrs。LyndesaysI’maveryhandsomechild。
　　Doyous’poseit’lllast，Anne？Iwanttoknow"
　　"Idaresayitwill，"saidAnnegravely。"YouAREahandsomeboy，Davy，"……Marillalookedvolumesofdisapproval……"butyoumustliveuptoitandbejustasniceandgentlemanlyasyoulooktobe。"
　　"AndyoutoldMinnieMayBarrytheotherday，whenyoufoundhercrying’causesomeonesaidshewasugly，thatifshewasniceandkindandlovingpeoplewouldn’tmindherlooks，"saidDavydiscontentedly。
　　"Seemstomeyoucan’tgetoutofbeinggoodinthisworldforsomereasonor’nother。YoujustHAVEtobehave。"
　　"Don’tyouwanttobegood？"askedMarilla，whohadlearnedagreatdealbuthadnotyetlearnedthefutilityofaskingsuchquestions。
　　"Yes，IwanttobegoodbutnotTOOgood，"saidDavycautiously。
　　"Youdon’thavetobeverygoodtobeaSundaySchoolsuperintendent。
　　Mr。Bell’sthat，andhe’sarealbadman。"
　　"Indeedhe’snot，"saidMarilaindignantly。
　　"Heis……hesaysheishimself，"asseveratedDavy。"HesaiditwhenheprayedinSundaySchoollastSunday。Hesaidhewasavilewormandamiserablesinnerandguiltyoftheblackest’niquity。
　　Whatdidhedothatwassobad，Marilla？Didhekillanybody？
　　Orstealthecollectioncents？Iwanttoknow。"
　　FortunatelyMrs。LyndecamedrivingupthelaneatthismomentandMarillamadeoff，feelingthatshehadescapedfromthesnareofthefowler，andwishingdevoutlythatMr。Bellwerenotquitesohighlyfigurativeinhispublicpetitions，especiallyinthehearingofsmallboyswhowerealways"wantingtoknow。"
　　Anne，leftaloneinherglory，workedwithawill。Thefloorwasswept，thebedsmade，thehensfed，themuslindresswashedandhungoutontheline。ThenAnnepreparedforthetransferoffeathers。Shemountedtothegarretanddonnedthefirstolddressthatcametohand……anavybluecashmereshehadwornatfourteen。Itwasdecidedlyontheshortsideandas"skimpy"asthenotablewinceyAnnehadwornupontheoccasionofherdebutatGreenGables；butatleastitwouldnotbemateriallyinjuredbydownandfeathers。AnnecompletedhertoiletbytyingabigredandwhitespottedhandkerchiefthathadbelongedtoMatthewoverherhead，and，thusaccoutred，betookherselftothekitchenchamber，whitherMarilla，beforeherdeparture，hadhelpedhercarrythefeatherbed。
　　AcrackedmirrorhungbythechamberwindowandinanunluckymomentAnnelookedintoit。Therewerethosesevenfrecklesonhernose，morerampantthanever，orsoitseemedintheglareoflightfromtheunshadedwindow。
　　"Oh，Iforgottorubthatlotiononlastnight，"shethought。
　　"I’dbetterrundowntothepantryanddoitnow。"
　　Annehadalreadysufferedmanythingstryingtoremovethosefreckles。
　　Ononeoccasiontheentireskinhadpeeledoffhernosebutthefrecklesremained。Afewdayspreviouslyshehadfoundarecipeforafrecklelotioninamagazineand，astheingredientswerewithinherreach，shestraightwaycompoundedit，muchtothedisgustofMarilla，whothoughtthatifProvidencehadplacedfrecklesonyournoseitwasyourboundendutytoleavethemthere。
　　Annescurrieddowntothepantry，which，alwaysdimfromthebigwillowgrowingclosetothewindow，wasnowalmostdarkbyreasonoftheshadedrawntoexcludeflies。Annecaughtthebottlecontainingthelotionfromtheshelfandcopiouslyanointedhernosetherewithbymeansofalittlespongesacredtothepurpose。
　　Thisimportantdutydone，shereturnedtoherwork。AnyonewhohasevershiftedfeathersfromoneticktoanotherwillnotneedtobetoldthatwhenAnnefinishedshewasasighttobehold。Herdresswaswhitewithdownandfluff，andherfronthair，escapingfromunderthehandkerchief，wasadornedwithaveritablehalooffeathers。
　　Atthisauspiciousmomentaknocksoundedatthekitchendoor。
　　"ThatmustbeMr。Shearer，"thoughtAnne。"I’minadreadfulmessbutI’llhavetorundownasIam，forhe’salwaysinahurry。"
　　DownflewAnnetothekitchendoor。Ifeveracharitablefloordidopentoswallowupamiserable，befeathereddamseltheGreenGablesporchfloorshouldpromptlyhaveengulfedAnneatthatmoment。
　　OnthedoorstepwerestandingPriscillaGrant，goldenandfairinsilkattire，ashort，stoutgray-hairedladyinatweedsuit，andanotherlady，tallstately，wonderfullygowned，withabeautiful，highbredfaceandlarge，black-lashedvioleteyes，whomAnne"instinctivelyfelt，"asshewouldhavesaidinherearlierdays，tobeMrs。CharlotteE。Morgan。
　　InthedismayofthemomentonethoughtstoodoutfromtheconfusionofAnne’smindandshegraspedatitasattheproverbialstraw。AllMrs。Morgan’sheroineswerenotedfor"risingtotheoccasion。"Nomatterwhattheirtroubleswere，theyinvariablyrosetotheoccasionandshowedtheirsuperiorityoverallillsoftime，space，andquantity。AnnethereforefeltitwasHERdutytorisetotheoccasionandshedidit，soperfectlythatPriscillaafterwarddeclaredsheneveradmiredAnneShirleymorethanatthatmoment。Nomatterwhatheroutragedfeelingswereshedidnotshowthem。ShegreetedPriscillaandwasintroducedtohercompanionsascalmlyandcomposedlyasifshehadbeenarrayedinpurpleandfinelinen。Tobesure，itwassomewhatofashocktofindthattheladyshehadinstinctivelyfelttobeMrs。MorganwasnotMrs。Morganatall，butanunknownMrs。Pendexter，whilethestoutlittlegray-hairedwomanwasMrs。Morgan；butinthegreatershockthelesserlostitspower。
　　Anneusheredhergueststothespareroomandthenceintotheparlor，wheresheleftthemwhileshehastenedouttohelpPriscillaunharnessherhorse。
　　"It’sdreadfultocomeuponyousounexpectedlyasthis，"
　　apologizedPriscilla，"butIdidnotknowtilllastnightthatwewerecoming。AuntCharlotteisgoingawayMondayandshehadpromisedtospendtodaywithafriendintown。Butlastnightherfriendtelephonedtohernottocomebecausetheywerequarantinedforscarletfever。SoIsuggestedwecomehereinstead，forIknewyouwerelongingtoseeher。WecalledattheWhiteSandsHotelandbroughtMrs。Pendexterwithus。Sheisafriendofaunt’sandlivesinNewYorkandherhusbandisamillionaire。Wecan’tstayverylong，forMrs。Pendexterhastobebackatthehotelbyfiveo’clock。"
　　SeveraltimeswhiletheywereputtingawaythehorseAnnecaughtPriscillalookingatherinafurtive，puzzledway。
　　"Sheneedn’tstareatmeso，"Annethoughtalittleresentfully。
　　"Ifshedoesn’tKNOWwhatitistochangeafeatherbedshemightIMAGINEit。"
　　WhenPriscillahadgonetotheparlor，andbeforeAnnecouldescapeupstairs，Dianawalkedintothekitchen。Annecaughtherastonishedfriendbythearm。
　　"DianaBarry，whodoyousupposeisinthatparloratthisverymoment？Mrs。CharlotteE。Morgan……andaNewYorkmillionaire’swife……andhereIamlikeTHIS……andNOTATHINGINTHEHOUSE
　　FORDINNERBUTACOLDHAMBONE，Diana！"
　　BythistimeAnnehadbecomeawarethatDianawasstaringatherinpreciselythesamebewilderedfashionasPriscillahaddone。
　　Itwasreallytoomuch。
　　"Oh，Diana，don’tlookatmeso，"sheimplored。"YOU，atleast，mustknowthattheneatestpersonintheworldcouldn’temptyfeathersfromonetickintoanotherandremainneatintheprocess。"
　　"It……it……isn’tthefeathers，"hesitatedDiana。"It’s……
　　it’s……yournose，Anne。"
　　"Mynose？Oh，Diana，surelynothinghasgonewrongwithit！"
　　Annerushedtothelittlelookingglassoverthesink。Oneglancerevealedthefataltruth。Hernosewasabrilliantscarlet！
　　Annesatdownonthesofa，herdauntlessspiritsubduedatlast。
　　"Whatisthematterwithit？"askedDiana，curiosityovercomingdelicacy。
　　"IthoughtIwasrubbingmyfrecklelotiononit，butImusthaveusedthatreddyeMarillahasformarkingthepatternonherrugs，"
　　wasthedespairingresponse。"WhatshallIdo？"
　　"Washitoff，"saidDianapractically。
　　"Perhapsitwon’twashoff。FirstIdyemyhair；thenIdyemynose。
　　MarillacutmyhairoffwhenIdyeditbutthatremedywouldhardlybepracticableinthiscase。Well，thisisanotherpunishmentforvanityandIsupposeIdeserveit……thoughthere’snotmuchcomfortinTHAT。
　　Itisreallyalmostenoughtomakeonebelieveinill-luck，thoughMrs。
　　Lyndesaysthereisnosuchthing，becauseeverythingisforeordained。"
　　FortunatelythedyewashedoffeasilyandAnne，somewhatconsoled，betookherselftotheeastgablewhileDianaranhome。PresentlyAnnecamedownagain，clothedandinherrightmind。Themuslindressshehadfondlyhopedtowearwasbobbingmerrilyaboutonthelineoutside，soshewasforcedtocontentherselfwithherblacklawn。ShehadthefireonandtheteasteepingwhenDianareturned；thelatterworeHERmuslin，atleast，andcarriedacoveredplatterinherhand。
　　"Mothersentyouthis，"shesaid，liftingthecoveranddisplayinganicelycarvedandjointedchickentoAnne’sgreatfuleyes。
　　Thechickenwassupplementedbylightnewbread，excellentbutterandcheese，Marilla’sfruitcakeandadishofpreservedplums，floatingintheirgoldensyrupasincongealedsummersunshine。
　　Therewasabigbowlfulofpink-and-whiteastersalso，bywayofdecoration；yetthespreadseemedverymeagerbesidetheelaborateoneformerlypreparedforMrs。Morgan。
　　Anne’shungryguests，however，didnotseemtothinkanythingwaslackingandtheyatethesimpleviandswithapparentenjoyment。
　　ButafterthefirstfewmomentsAnnethoughtnomoreofwhatwasorwasnotonherbilloffare。Mrs。Morgan’sappearancemightbesomewhatdisappointing，asevenherloyalworshippershadbeenforcedtoadmittoeachother；butsheprovedtobeadelightfulconversationalist。Shehadtraveledextensivelyandwasanexcellentstoryteller。Shehadseenmuchofmenandwomen，andcrystalizedherexperiencesintowittylittlesentencesandepigramswhichmadeherhearersfeelasiftheywerelisteningtooneofthepeopleincleverbooks。Butunderallhersparkletherewasastronglyfeltundercurrentoftrue，womanlysympathyandkindheartednesswhichwonaffectionaseasilyasherbrilliancywonadmiration。Nordidshemonopolizetheconversation。Shecoulddrawothersoutasskillfullyandfullyasshecouldtalkherself，andAnneandDianafoundthemselveschatteringfreelytoher。Mrs。
　　Pendextersaidlittle；shemerelysmiledwithherlovelyeyesandlips，andatechickenandfruitcakeandpreserveswithsuchexquisitegracethatsheconveyedtheimpressionofdiningonambrosiaandhoneydew。
　　Butthen，asAnnesaidtoDianalateron，anybodysodivinelybeautifulasMrs。Pendexterdidn’tneedtotalk；itwasenoughforherjusttoLOOK。
　　AfterdinnertheyallhadawalkthroughLover’sLaneandVioletValeandtheBirchPath，thenbackthroughtheHauntedWoodtotheDryad’sBubble，wheretheysatdownandtalkedforadelightfullasthalfhour。Mrs。MorganwantedtoknowhowtheHauntedWoodcamebyitsname，andlaugheduntilshecriedwhensheheardthestoryandAnne’sdramaticaccountofacertainmemorablewalkthroughitatthewitchinghouroftwilight。
　　"Ithasindeedbeenafeastofreasonandflowofsoul，hasn’tit？"
　　saidAnne，whenherguestshadgoneandsheandDianawerealoneagain。
　　"Idon’tknowwhichIenjoyedmore……listeningtoMrs。MorganorgazingatMrs。Pendexter。Ibelievewehadanicertimethanifwe’dknowntheywerecomingandbeencumberedwithmuchserving。
　　Youmuststaytoteawithme，Diana，andwe’lltalkitallover。"
　　"PriscillasaysMrs。Pendexter’shusband’ssisterismarriedtoanEnglishearl；andyetshetookasecondhelpingoftheplumpreserves，"
　　saidDiana，asifthetwofactsweresomehowincompatible。
　　"IdaresayeventheEnglishearlhimselfwouldn’thaveturneduphisaristocraticnoseatMarilla’splumpreserves，"saidAnneproudly。
　　AnnedidnotmentionthemisfortunewhichhadbefallenHERnosewhensherelatedtheday’shistorytoMarillathatevening。Butshetookthebottleoffrecklelotionandemptieditoutofthewindow。
　　"Ishallnevertryanybeautifyingmessesagain，"shesaid，darklyresolute。"Theymaydoforcareful，deliberatepeople；butforanyonesohopelesslygivenovertomakingmistakesasIseemtobeit’stemptingfatetomeddlewiththem。"
　　XXI
　　SweetMissLavendarSchoolopenedandAnnereturnedtoherwork，withfewertheoriesbutconsiderablymoreexperience。Shehadseveralnewpupils，six-andseven-year-oldsjustventuring，round-eyed，intoaworldofwonder。
　　AmongthemwereDavyandDora。DavysatwithMiltyBoulter，whohadbeengoingtoschoolforayearandwasthereforequiteamanoftheworld。
　　DorahadmadeacompactatSundaySchoolthepreviousSundaytositwithLilySloane；butLilySloanenotcomingthefirstday，shewastemporarilyassignedtoMirabelCotton，whowastenyearsoldandtherefore，inDora’seyes，oneofthe"biggirls。"
　　"Ithinkschoolisgreatfun，"DavytoldMarillawhenhegothomethatnight。"YousaidI’dfindithardtositstillandIdid……
　　youmostlydotellthetruth，Inotice……butyoucanwriggleyourlegsaboutunderthedeskandthathelpsalot。It’ssplendidtohavesomanyboystoplaywith。IsitwithMiltyBoulterandhe’sfine。He’slongerthanmebutI’mwider。It’snicertositinthebackseatsbutyoucan’tsittheretillyourlegsgrowlongenoughtotouchthefloor。MiltydrawedapictureofAnneonhisslateanditwasawfuluglyandItoldhimifhemadepicturesofAnnelikethatI’dlickhimatrecess。IthoughtfirstI’ddrawoneofhimandputhornsandatailonit，butIwasafraiditwouldhurthisfeelings，andAnnesaysyoushouldneverhurtanyone’sfeelings。Itseemsit’sdreadfultohaveyourfeelingshurt。It’sbettertoknockaboydownthanhurthisfeelingsifyouMUSTdosomething。Miltysaidhewasn’tscaredofmebuthe’djustassooncallitsomebodyelseto’bligeme，soherubbedoutAnne’snameandprintedBarbaraShaw’sunderit。Miltydoesn’tlikeBarbara’causeshecallshimasweetlittleboyandonceshepattedhimonhishead。"
　　Dorasaidprimlythatshelikedschool；butshewasveryquiet，evenforher；andwhenattwilightMarillabadehergoupstairstobedshehesitatedandbegantocry。
　　"I’m……I’mfrightened，"shesobbed。"I……Idon’twanttogoupstairsaloneinthedark。"
　　"Whatnotionhaveyougotintoyourheadnow？"demandedMarilla。
　　"I’msureyou’vegonetobedaloneallsummerandneverbeenfrightenedbefore。"
　　Dorastillcontinuedtocry，soAnnepickedherup，cuddledhersympathetically，andwhispered，"TellAnneallaboutit，sweetheart。Whatareyoufrightenedof？"
　　"Of……ofMirabelCotton’suncle，"sobbedDora。"MirabelCottontoldmeallaboutherfamilytodayinschool。Nearlyeverybodyinherfamilyhasdied……allhergrandfathersandgrandmothersandeversomanyunclesandaunts。Theyhaveahabitofdying，Mirabelsays。
　　Mirabel’sawfulproudofhavingsomanydeadrelations，andshetoldmewhattheyalldiedof，andwhattheysaid，andhowtheylookedintheircoffins。AndMirabelsaysoneofheruncleswasseenwalkingaroundthehouseafterhewasburied。Hermothersawhim。Idon’tmindtherestsomuchbutIcan’thelpthinkingaboutthatuncle。"
　　AnnewentupstairswithDoraandsatbyheruntilshefellasleep。
　　ThenextdayMirabelCottonwaskeptinatrecessand"gentlybutfirmly"giventounderstandthatwhenyouweresounfortunateastopossessanunclewhopersistedinwalkingabouthousesafterhehadbeendecentlyinterreditwasnotingoodtastetotalkaboutthateccentricgentlemantoyourdeskmateoftenderyears。Mirabelthoughtthisveryharsh。TheCottonshadnotmuchtoboastof。
　　Howwasshetokeepupherprestigeamongherschoolmatesifshewereforbiddentomakecapitaloutofthefamilyghost？
　　SeptemberslippedbyintoagoldandcrimsongraciousnessofOctober。
　　OneFridayeveningDianacameover。
　　"I’daletterfromEllaKimballtoday，Anne，andshewantsustogoovertoteatomorrowafternoontomeethercousin，IreneTrent，fromtown。
　　Butwecan’tgetoneofourhorsestogo，forthey’llallbeinusetomorrow，andyourponyislame……soIsupposewecan’tgo。"
　　"Whycan’twewalk？"suggestedAnne。"Ifwegostraightbackthroughthewoodswe’llstriketheWestGraftonroadnotfarfromtheKimballplace。IwasthroughthatwaylastwinterandIknowtheroad。It’snomorethanfourmilesandwewon’thavetowalkhome，forOliverKimballwillbesuretodriveus。He’llbeonlytoogladoftheexcuse，forhegoestoseeCarrieSloaneandtheysayhisfatherwillhardlyeverlethimhaveahorse。"
　　Itwasaccordinglyarrangedthattheyshouldwalk，andthefollowingafternoontheysetout，goingbywayofLover’sLanetothebackoftheCuthbertfarm，wheretheyfoundaroadleadingintotheheartofacresofglimmeringbeechandmaplewoods，whichwereallinawondrousglowofflameandgold，lyinginagreatpurplestillnessandpeace。
　　"It’sasiftheyearwerekneelingtoprayinavastcathedralfullofmellowstainedlight，isn’tit？"saidAnnedreamily。"Itdoesn’tseemrighttohurrythroughit，doesit？Itseemsirreverent，likerunninginachurch。"
　　"WeMUSThurrythough，"saidDiana，glancingatherwatch。
　　"We’veleftourselveslittleenoughtimeasitis。"
　　"Well，I’llwalkfastbutdon’taskmetotalk，"saidAnne，quickeningherpace。"Ijustwanttodrinktheday’slovelinessin……IfeelasifshewereholdingitouttomylipslikeacupofairywineandI’lltakeasipateverystep。"
　　Perhapsitwasbecauseshewassoabsorbedin"drinkingitin"thatAnnetooktheleftturningwhentheycametoaforkintheroad。
　　Sheshouldhavetakentheright，buteverafterwardshecounteditthemostfortunatemistakeofherlife。Theycameoutfinallytoalonely，grassyroad，withnothinginsightalongitbutranksofsprucesaplings。
　　"Why，wherearewe？"exclaimedDianainbewilderment。"Thisisn’ttheWestGraftonroad。"
　　"No，it’sthebaselineroadinMiddleGrafton，"saidAnne，rathershamefacedly。"Imusthavetakenthewrongturningatthefork。
　　Idon’tknowwhereweareexactly，butwemustbeallofthreemilesfromKimballs’still。"
　　"Thenwecan’tgettherebyfive，forit’shalfpastfournow，"
　　saidDiana，withadespairinglookatherwatch。"We’llarriveaftertheyhavehadtheirtea，andthey’llhaveallthebotherofgettingoursoveragain。"
　　"We’dbetterturnbackandgohome，"suggestedAnnehumbly。
　　ButDiana，afterconsideration，vetoedthis。
　　"No，wemayaswellgoandspendtheevening，sincewehavecomethisfar"
　　Afewyardsfurtheronthegirlscametoaplacewheretheroadforkedagain。
　　"Whichofthesedowetake？"askedDianadubiously。
　　Anneshookherhead。
　　"Idon’tknowandwecan’taffordtomakeanymoremistakes。Hereisagateandalaneleadingrightintothewood。Theremustbeahouseattheotherside。Letusgodownandinquire。"
　　"Whataromanticoldlanethisit，"saidDiana，astheywalkedalongitstwistsandturns。Itranunderpatriarchaloldfirswhosebranchesmetabove，creatingaperpetualgloominwhichnothingexceptmosscouldgrow。Oneitherhandwerebrownwoodfloors，crossedhereandtherebyfallenlancesofsunlight。