Dianawasnotthemostdiscerningofmortals，butjustatthismomentitstruckherthatAnnewasnotlookingexactlyoverjoyed。
　　Thesurprisewasthere，beyonddoubt——butwherewasthedelight？
　　"Why，Anne，youdon’tseemabitpleased！"sheexclaimed。
　　Anneinstantlymanufacturedasmileandputiton。
　　"OfcourseIcouldn’tbeanythingbutpleasedoveryourunselfishwishtogivemepleasure，"shesaidslowly。"Butyouknow——I’msoamazed——Ican’trealizeit——andIdon’tunderstand。Therewasn’tawordinmystoryabout——about——"Annechokedalittleovertheword——"bakingpowder。"
　　"Oh，_I_putthatin，"saidDiana，reassured。"Itwasaseasyaswink——andofcoursemyexperienceinouroldStoryClubhelpedme。
　　YouknowthescenewhereAverilmakesthecake？Well，IjuststatedthatsheusedtheRollingsReliableinit，andthatwaswhyitturnedoutsowell；andthen，inthelastparagraph，wherePERCEVALclaspsAVERILinhisarmsandsays，`Sweetheart，thebeautifulcomingyearswillbringusthefulfilmentofourhomeofdreams，’Iadded，`inwhichwewillneveruseanybakingpowderexceptRollingsReliable。’"
　　"Oh，"gaspedpoorAnne，asifsomeonehaddashedcoldwateronher。
　　"Andyou’vewonthetwenty-fivedollars，"continuedDianajubilantly。
　　"Why，IheardPriscillasayoncethattheCanadianWomanonlypaysfivedollarsforastory！"
　　Anneheldoutthehatefulpinkslipinshakingfingers。
　　"Ican’ttakeit——it’syoursbyright，Diana。Yousentthestoryinandmadethealterations。I——Iwouldcertainlyneverhavesentit。Soyoumusttakethecheck。"
　　"I’dliketoseemyself，"saidDianascornfully。"Why，whatI
　　didwasn’tanytrouble。Thehonorofbeingafriendoftheprizewinnerisenoughforme。Well，Imustgo。Ishouldhavegonestraighthomefromthepostofficeforwehavecompany。
　　ButIsimplyhadtocomeandhearthenews。I’msogladforyoursake，Anne。"
　　Annesuddenlybentforward，putherarmsaboutDiana，andkissedhercheek。
　　"Ithinkyouarethesweetestandtruestfriendintheworld，Diana，"shesaid，withalittletrembleinhervoice，"andI
　　assureyouIappreciatethemotiveofwhatyou’vedone。"
　　Diana，pleasedandembarrassed，gotherselfaway，andpoorAnne，afterflingingtheinnocentcheckintoherbureaudrawerasifitwereblood-money，castherselfonherbedandwepttearsofshameandoutragedsensibility。Oh，shecouldneverlivethisdown——never！
　　Gilbertarrivedatdusk，brimmingoverwithcongratulations，forhehadcalledatOrchardSlopeandheardthenews。ButhiscongratulationsdiedonhislipsatsightofAnne’sface。
　　"Why，Anne，whatisthematter？IexpectedtofindyouradiantoverwinningRollingsReliableprize。Goodforyou！"
　　"Oh，Gilbert，notyou，"imploredAnne，inanET-TUBRUTEtone。
　　"IthoughtYOUwouldunderstand。Can’tyouseehowawfulitis？"
　　"ImustconfessIcan’t。WHATiswrong？"
　　"Everything，"moanedAnne。"IfeelasifIweredisgracedforever。
　　Whatdoyouthinkamotherwouldfeellikeifshefoundherchildtattooedoverwithabakingpowderadvertisement？
　　Ifeeljustthesame。Ilovedmypoorlittlestory，andI
　　wroteitoutofthebestthatwasinme。AnditisSACRILEGEtohaveitdegradedtothelevelofabakingpowderadvertisement。
　　Don’tyourememberwhatProfessorHamiltonusedtotellusintheliteratureclassatQueen’s？Hesaidwewerenevertowriteawordforaloworunworthymotive，butalwaystoclingtotheveryhighestideals。WhatwillhethinkwhenhehearsI’vewrittenastorytoadvertiseRollingsReliable？And，oh，whenitgetsoutatRedmond！ThinkhowI’llbeteasedandlaughedat！"
　　"Thatyouwon’t，"saidGilbert，wonderinguneasilyifitwerethatconfoundedJunior’sopinioninparticularoverwhichAnnewasworried。"TheRedswillthinkjustasIthought——thatyou，beinglikenineoutoftenofus，notoverburdenedwithworldlywealth，hadtakenthiswayofearninganhonestpennytohelpyourselfthroughtheyear。Idon’tseethatthere’sanythingloworunworthyaboutthat，oranythingridiculouseither。Onewouldratherwritemasterpiecesofliteraturenodoubt——butmeanwhileboardandtuitionfeeshavetobepaid。"
　　Thiscommonsense，matter-of-factviewofthecasecheeredAnnealittle。Atleastitremovedherdreadofbeinglaughedat，thoughthedeeperhurtofanoutragedidealremained。
　　ChapterXVI
　　AdjustedRelationships"It’sthehomiestspotIeversaw——it’shomierthanhome，"
　　avowedPhilippaGordon，lookingaboutherwithdelightedeyes。
　　Theywereallassembledattwilightinthebigliving-roomatPatty’sPlace——AnneandPriscilla，PhilandStella，AuntJamesina，Rusty，Joseph，theSarah-Cat，andGogandMagog。Thefirelightshadowsweredancingoverthewalls；thecatswerepurring；
　　andahugebowlofhothousechrysanthemums，senttoPhilbyoneofthevictims，shonethroughthegoldengloomlikecreamymoons。
　　Itwasthreeweekssincetheyhadconsideredthemselvessettled，andalreadyallbelievedtheexperimentwouldbeasuccess。Thefirstfortnightaftertheirreturnhadbeenapleasantlyexcitingone；theyhadbeenbusysettinguptheirhouseholdgoods，organizingtheirlittleestablishment，andadjustingdifferentopinions。
　　Annewasnotover-sorrytoleaveAvonleawhenthetimecametoreturntocollege。Thelastfewdaysofhervacationhadnotbeenpleasant。HerprizestoryhadbeenpublishedintheIslandpapers；andMr。WilliamBlairhad，uponthecounterofhisstore，ahugepileofpink，greenandyellowpamphlets，containingit，oneofwhichhegavetoeverycustomer。HesentacomplimentarybundletoAnne，whopromptlydroppedthemallinthekitchenstove。Herhumiliationwastheconsequenceofherownidealsonly，forAvonleafolksthoughtitquitesplendidthatsheshouldhavewontheprize。Hermanyfriendsregardedherwithhonestadmiration；herfewfoeswithscornfulenvy。
　　JosiePyesaidshebelievedAnneShirleyhadjustcopiedthestory；
　　shewassuresherememberedreadingitinapaperyearsbefore。
　　TheSloanes，whohadfoundoutorguessedthatCharliehadbeen"turneddown，"saidtheydidn’tthinkitwasmuchtobeproudof；
　　almostanyonecouldhavedoneit，ifshetried。AuntAtossatoldAnneshewasverysorrytohearshehadtakentowritingnovels；nobodybornandbredinAvonleawoulddoit；thatwaswhatcameofadoptingorphansfromgoodnessknewwhere，withgoodnessknewwhatkindofparents。EvenMrs。RachelLyndewasdarklydubiousabouttheproprietyofwritingfiction，thoughshewasalmostreconciledtoitbythattwenty-fivedollarcheck。
　　"Itisperfectlyamazing，thepricetheypayforsuchlies，that’swhat，"shesaid，half-proudly，half-severely。
　　Allthingsconsidered，itwasareliefwhengoing-awaytimecame。
　　AnditwasveryjollytobebackatRedmond，awise，experiencedSophwithhostsoffriendstogreetonthemerryopeningday。
　　PrisandStellaandGilbertwerethere，CharlieSloane，lookingmoreimportantthaneveraSophomorelookedbefore，Phil，withtheAlec-and-Alonzoquestionstillunsettled，andMoodySpurgeonMacPherson。MoodySpurgeonhadbeenteachingschooleversinceleavingQueen’s，buthismotherhadconcludeditwashightimehegaveitupandturnedhisattentiontolearninghowtobeaminister。PoorMoodySpurgeonfellonhardluckattheverybeginningofhiscollegecareer。HalfadozenruthlessSophs，whowereamonghisfellow-boarders，swoopeddownuponhimonenightandshavedhalfofhishead。InthisguisethelucklessMoodySpurgeonhadtogoaboutuntilhishairgrewagain。HetoldAnnebitterlythatthereweretimeswhenhehadhisdoubtsastowhetherhewasreallycalledtobeaminister。
　　AuntJamesinadidnotcomeuntilthegirlshadPatty’sPlacereadyforher。MissPattyhadsentthekeytoAnne，withaletterinwhichshesaidGogandMagogwerepackedinaboxunderthespare-roombed，butmightbetakenoutwhenwanted；inapostscriptsheaddedthatshehopedthegirlswouldbecarefulaboutputtinguppictures。ThelivingroomhadbeennewlypaperedfiveyearsbeforeandsheandMissMariadidnotwantanymoreholesmadeinthatnewpaperthanwasabsolutelynecessary。
　　FortherestshetrustedeverythingtoAnne。
　　Howthosegirlsenjoyedputtingtheirnestinorder！AsPhilsaid，itwasalmostasgoodasgettingmarried。Youhadthefunofhomemakingwithoutthebotherofahusband。Allbroughtsomethingwiththemtoadornormakecomfortablethelittlehouse。PrisandPhilandStellahadknick-knacksandpicturesgalore，whichlattertheyproceededtohangaccordingtotaste，inrecklessdisregardofMissPatty’snewpaper。
　　"We’llputtytheholesupwhenweleave，dear——she’llneverknow，"
　　theysaidtoprotestingAnne。
　　DianahadgivenAnneapineneedlecushionandMissAdahadgivenbothherandPriscillaafearfullyandwonderfullyembroideredone。
　　Marillahadsentabigboxofpreserves，anddarklyhintedatahamperforThanksgiving，andMrs。LyndegaveAnneapatchworkquiltandloanedherfivemore。
　　"Youtakethem，"shesaidauthoritatively。"Theymightaswellbeinuseaspackedawayinthattrunkinthegarretformothstognaw。"
　　Nomothswouldeverhaveventurednearthosequilts，fortheyreekedofmothballstosuchanextentthattheyhadtobehungintheorchardofPatty’sPlaceafullfortnightbeforetheycouldbeenduredindoors。Verily，aristocraticSpoffordAvenuehadrarelybeheldsuchadisplay。Thegruffoldmillionairewholived"nextdoor"cameoverandwantedtobuythegorgeousredandyellow"tulip-pattern"onewhichMrs。RachelhadgivenAnne。
　　Hesaidhismotherusedtomakequiltslikethat，andbyJove，hewantedonetoremindhimofher。Annewouldnotsellit，muchtohisdisappointment，butshewroteallaboutittoMrs。Lynde。
　　Thathighly-gratifiedladysentwordbackthatshehadonejustlikeittospare，sothetobaccokinggothisquiltafterall，andinsistedonhavingitspreadonhisbed，tothedisgustofhisfashionablewife。
　　Mrs。Lynde’squiltsservedaveryusefulpurposethatwinter。
　　Patty’sPlaceforallitsmanyvirtues，haditsfaultsalso。
　　Itwasreallyarathercoldhouse；andwhenthefrostynightscamethegirlswereverygladtosnuggledownunderMrs。Lynde’squilts，andhopedthattheloanofthemmightbeaccounteduntoherforrighteousness。Annehadtheblueroomshehadcovetedatsight。PriscillaandStellahadthelargeone。Philwasblissfullycontentwiththelittleoneoverthekitchen；andAuntJamesinawastohavethedownstairsoneofftheliving-room。
　　Rustyatfirstsleptonthedoorstep。
　　Anne，walkinghomefromRedmondafewdaysafterherreturn，becameawarethatthepeoplethatshemetsurveyedherwithacovert，indulgentsmile。Annewondereduneasilywhatwasthematterwithher。Washerhatcrooked？Washerbeltloose？
　　Craningherheadtoinvestigate，Anne，forthefirsttime，sawRusty。
　　Trottingalongbehindher，closetoherheels，wasquitethemostforlornspecimenofthecattribeshehadeverbeheld。
　　Theanimalwaswellpastkitten-hood，lank，thin，disreputablelooking。Piecesofbothearswerelacking，oneeyewastemporarilyoutofrepair，andonejowlludicrouslyswollen。
　　Asforcolor，ifaonceblackcathadbeenwellandthoroughlysingedtheresultwouldhaveresembledthehueofthiswaif’sthin，draggled，unsightlyfur。
　　Anne"shooed，"butthecatwouldnot"shoo。"Aslongasshestoodhesatbackonhishaunchesandgazedatherreproachfullyoutofhisonegoodeye；whensheresumedherwalkhefollowed。
　　AnneresignedherselftohiscompanyuntilshereachedthegateofPatty’sPlace，whichshecoldlyshutinhisface，fondlysupposingshehadseenthelastofhim。Butwhen，fifteenminuteslater，Philopenedthedoor，theresattherusty-browncatonthestep。More，hepromptlydartedinandspranguponAnne’slapwithahalf-pleading，half-triumphant"miaow。"
　　"Anne，"saidStellaseverely，"doyouownthatanimal？"
　　"No，IdoNOT，"protesteddisgustedAnne。"Thecreaturefollowedmehomefromsomewhere。Icouldn’tgetridofhim。Ugh，getdown。
　　Ilikedecentcatsreasonablywell；butIdon’tlikebeastiesofyourcomplexion。"
　　Pussy，however，refusedtogetdown。HecoollycurledupinAnne’slapandbegantopurr。
　　"Hehasevidentlyadoptedyou，"laughedPriscilla。
　　"Iwon’tBEadopted，"saidAnnestubbornly。
　　"Thepoorcreatureisstarving，"saidPhilpityingly。"Why，hisbonesarealmostcomingthroughhisskin。"
　　"Well，I’llgivehimasquaremealandthenhemustreturntowhencehecame，"saidAnneresolutely。
　　Thecatwasfedandputout。Inthemorninghewasstillonthedoorstep。Onthedoorstephecontinuedtosit，boltinginwheneverthedoorwasopened。Nocoolnessofwelcomehadtheleasteffectonhim；ofnobodysaveAnnedidhetaketheleastnotice。Outofcompassionthegirlsfedhim；butwhenaweekhadpassedtheydecidedthatsomethingmustbedone。
　　Thecat’sappearancehadimproved。Hiseyeandcheekhadresumedtheirnormalappearance；hewasnotquitesothin；
　　andhehadbeenseenwashinghisface。
　　"Butforallthatwecan’tkeephim，"saidStella。"AuntJimsieiscomingnextweekandshewillbringtheSarah-catwithher。
　　Wecan’tkeeptwocats；andifwedidthisRustyCoatwouldfightallthetimewiththeSarah-cat。He’safighterbynature。
　　Hehadapitchedbattlelasteveningwiththetobacco-king’scatandroutedhim，horse，footandartillery。"
　　"Wemustgetridofhim，"agreedAnne，lookingdarklyatthesubjectoftheirdiscussion，whowaspurringonthehearthrugwithanairoflamb-likemeekness。"Butthequestionis——how？
　　Howcanfourunprotectedfemalesgetridofacatwhowon’tbegotridof？"
　　Wemustchloroformhim，"saidPhilbriskly。"Thatisthemosthumaneway。"
　　"Whoofusknowsanythingaboutchloroformingacat？"demandedAnnegloomily。
　　"Ido，honey。It’soneofmyfew——sadlyfew——usefulaccomplishments。
　　I’vedisposedofseveralathome。Youtakethecatinthemorningandgivehimagoodbreakfast。Thenyoutakeanoldburlapbag——there’soneinthebackporch——putthecatonitandturnoverhimawoodenbox。
　　Thentakeatwo-ouncebottleofchloroform，uncorkit，andslipitundertheedgeofthebox。Putaheavyweightontopoftheboxandleaveittillevening。Thecatwillbedead，curleduppeacefullyasifhewereasleep。Nopain——nostruggle。"
　　"Itsoundseasy，"saidAnnedubiously。
　　"ItISeasy。Justleaveittome。I’llseetoit，"saidPhilreassuringly。
　　Accordinglythechloroformwasprocured，andthenextmorningRustywasluredtohisdoom。Heatehisbreakfast，lickedhischops，andclimbedintoAnne’slap。Anne’sheartmisgaveher。Thispoorcreaturelovedher——trustedher。Howcouldshebeapartytothisdestruction？
　　"Here，takehim，"shesaidhastilytoPhil。"Ifeellikeamurderess。"
　　"Hewon’tsuffer，youknow，"comfortedPhil，butAnnehadfled。
　　Thefataldeedwasdoneinthebackporch。Nobodywentnearitthatday。ButatduskPhildeclaredthatRustymustbeburied。
　　"PrisandStellamustdighisgraveintheorchard，"declaredPhil，"andAnnemustcomewithmetolifttheboxoff。That’sthepartIalwayshate。"
　　Thetwoconspiratorstip-toedreluctantlytothebackporch。
　　Philgingerlyliftedthestoneshehadputonthebox。Suddenly，faintbutdistinct，soundedanunmistakablemewunderthebox。
　　"He——heisn’tdead，"gaspedAnne，sittingblanklydownonthekitchendoorstep。
　　"Hemustbe，"saidPhilincredulously。
　　Anothertinymewprovedthathewasn’t。Thetwogirlsstaredateachother。"
　　Whatwillwedo？"questionedAnne。
　　"Whyintheworlddon’tyoucome？"demandedStella，appearinginthedoorway。"We’vegotthegraveready。`Whatsilentstillandsilentall？’"shequotedteasingly。
　　"`Oh，no，thevoicesofthedeadSoundlikethedistanttorrent’sfall，’"
　　promptlycounter-quotedAnne，pointingsolemnlytothebox。
　　Aburstoflaughterbrokethetension。
　　"Wemustleavehimheretillmorning，"saidPhil，replacingthestone。
　　"Hehasn’tmewedforfiveminutes。Perhapsthemewsweheardwerehisdyinggroan。Orperhapswemerelyimaginedthem，underthestrainofourguiltyconsciences。"
　　But，whentheboxwasliftedinthemorning，RustyboundedatonegayleaptoAnne’sshoulderwherehebegantolickherfaceaffectionately。
　　Neverwasthereacatmoredecidedlyalive。
　　"Here’saknotholeinthebox，"groanedPhil。"Ineversawit。
　　That’swhyhedidn’tdie。Now，we’vegottodoitalloveragain。"
　　"No，wehaven’t，"declaredAnnesuddenly。"Rustyisn’tgoingtobekilledagain。He’smycat——andyou’vejustgottomakethebestofit。"
　　"Oh，well，ifyou’llsettlewithAuntJimsieandtheSarah-cat，"
　　saidStella，withtheairofonewashingherhandsofthewholeaffair。
　　FromthattimeRustywasoneofthefamily。Heslepto’nightsonthescrubbingcushioninthebackporchandlivedonthefatoftheland。
　　BythetimeAuntJamesinacamehewasplumpandglossyandtolerablyrespectable。But，likeKipling’scat，he"walkedbyhimself。"
　　Hispawwasagainsteverycat，andeverycat’spawagainsthim。
　　OnebyonehevanquishedthearistocraticfelinesofSpoffordAvenue。
　　Asforhumanbeings，helovedAnneandAnnealone。Nobodyelseevendaredstrokehim。Anangryspitandsomethingthatsoundedmuchlikeveryimproperlanguagegreetedanyonewhodid。
　　"Theairsthatcatputsonareperfectlyintolerable，"declaredStella。
　　"Himwasaniceoldpussens，himwas，"vowedAnne，cuddlingherpetdefiantly。
　　"Well，Idon’tknowhowheandtheSarah-catwillevermakeouttolivetogether，"saidStellapesimistically。"Cat-fightsintheorchardo’nightsarebadenough。Butcat-fightshereinthelivingroomareunthinkable。"InduetimeAuntJamesinaarrived。
　　AnneandPriscillaandPhilhadawaitedheradventratherdubiously；
　　butwhenAuntJamesinawasenthronedintherockingchairbeforetheopenfiretheyfigurativelyboweddownandworshippedher。
　　AuntJamesinawasatinyoldwomanwithalittle，softly-triangularface，andlarge，softblueeyesthatwerealightwithunquenchableyouth，andasfullofhopesasagirl’s。Shehadpinkcheeksandsnow-whitehairwhichsheworeinquaintlittlepuffsoverherears。
　　"It’saveryold-fashionedway，"shesaid，knittingindustriouslyatsomethingasdaintyandpinkasasunsetcloud。"But_I_amold-fashioned。
　　Myclothesare，anditstandstoreasonmyopinionsare，too。Idon’tsaythey’reanythebetterofthat，mindyou。Infact，Idaresaythey’reagooddealtheworse。Butthey’vewornniceandeasy。Newshoesaresmarterthanoldones，buttheoldonesaremorecomfortable。I’moldenoughtoindulgemyselfinthematterofshoesandopinions。Imeantotakeitrealeasyhere。
　　Iknowyouexpectmetolookafteryouandkeepyouproper，butI’mnotgoingtodoit。
　　You’reoldenoughtoknowhowtobehaveifyou’reevergoingtobe。
　　So，asfarasIamconcerned，"concludedAuntJamesina，withatwinkleinheryoungeyes，"youcanallgotodestructioninyourownway。"
　　"Oh，willsomebodyseparatethosecats？"pleadedStella，shudderingly。
　　AuntJamesinahadbroughtwithhernotonlytheSarah-catbutJoseph。
　　Joseph，sheexplained，hadbelongedtoadearfriendofherswhohadgonetoliveinVancouver。
　　"Shecouldn’ttakeJosephwithhersoshebeggedmetotakehim。
　　Ireallycouldn’trefuse。He’sabeautifulcat——thatis，hisdispositionisbeautiful。ShecalledhimJosephbecausehiscoatisofmanycolors。"
　　Itcertainlywas。Joseph，asthedisgustedStellasaid，lookedlikeawalkingrag-bag。Itwasimpossibletosaywhathisgroundcolorwas。Hislegswerewhitewithblackspotsonthem。
　　Hisbackwasgraywithahugepatchofyellowononesideandablackpatchontheother。Histailwasyellowwithagraytip。
　　Oneearwasblackandoneyellow。Ablackpatchoveroneeyegavehimafearfullyrakishlook。Inrealityhewasmeekandinoffensive，ofasociabledisposition。Inonerespect，ifinnoother，Josephwaslikealilyofthefield。Hetoilednotneitherdidhespinorcatchmice。YetSolomoninallhisglorysleptnotonsoftercushions，orfeastedmorefullyonfatthings。
　　JosephandtheSarah-catarrivedbyexpressinseparateboxes。
　　Aftertheyhadbeenreleasedandfed，Josephselectedthecushionandcornerwhichappealedtohim，andtheSarah-catgravelysatherselfdownbeforethefireandproceededtowashherface。Shewasalarge，sleek，gray-and-whitecat，withanenormousdignitywhichwasnotatallimpairedbyanyconsciousnessofherplebianorigin。ShehadbeengiventoAuntJamesinabyherwasherwoman。
　　"HernamewasSarah，somyhusbandalwayscalledpusstheSarah-cat，"explainedAuntJamesina。"Sheiseightyearsold，andaremarkablemouser。Don’tworry，Stella。TheSarah-catNEVERfightsandJosephrarely。"
　　"They’llhavetofighthereinself-defense，"saidStella。
　　AtthisjunctureRustyarrivedonthescene。Heboundedjoyouslyhalfwayacrosstheroombeforehesawtheintruders。
　　Thenhestoppedshort；histailexpandeduntilitwasasbigasthreetails。Thefuronhisbackroseupinadefiantarch；
　　Rustyloweredhishead，utteredafearfulshriekofhatredanddefiance，andlaunchedhimselfattheSarah-cat。
　　Thestatelyanimalhadstoppedwashingherfaceandwaslookingathimcuriously。Shemethisonslaughtwithonecontemptuoussweepofhercapablepaw。Rustywentrollinghelplesslyoverontherug；hepickedhimselfupdazedly。Whatsortofacatwasthiswhohadboxedhisears？HelookeddubiouslyattheSarah-cat。
　　Wouldheorwouldhenot？TheSarah-catdeliberatelyturnedherbackonhimandresumedhertoiletoperations。Rustydecidedthathewouldnot。Heneverdid。FromthattimeontheSarah-catruledtheroost。Rustyneveragaininterferedwithher。
　　ButJosephrashlysatupandyawned。Rusty，burningtoavengehisdisgrace，swoopeddownuponhim。Joseph，pacificbynature，couldfightuponoccasionandfightwell。Theresultwasaseriesofdrawnbattles。EverydayRustyandJosephfoughtatsight。AnnetookRusty’spartanddetestedJoseph。Stellawasindespair。ButAuntJamesinaonlylaughed。
　　Letthemfightitout，"shesaidtolerantly。"They’llmakefriendsafterabit。Josephneedssomeexercise——hewasgettingtoofat。
　　AndRustyhastolearnheisn’ttheonlycatintheworld。"
　　EventuallyJosephandRustyacceptedthesituationandfromswornenemiesbecameswornfriends。Theysleptonthesamecushionwiththeirpawsabouteachother，andgravelywashedeachother’sfaces。
　　"We’veallgotusedtoeachother，"saidPhil。"AndI’velearnedhowtowashdishesandsweepafloor。"
　　"Butyouneedn’ttrytomakeusbelieveyoucanchloroformacat，"
　　laughedAnne。
　　"Itwasallthefaultoftheknothole，"protestedPhil。
　　"Itwasagoodthingtheknotholewasthere，"saidAuntJamesinaratherseverely。"KittensHAVEtobedrowned，Iadmit，ortheworldwouldbeoverrun。Butnodecent，grown-upcatshouldbedonetodeath——unlesshesuckseggs。"
　　"Youwouldn’thavethoughtRustyverydecentifyou’dseenhimwhenhecamehere，"saidStella。"HepositivelylookedliketheOldNick。"
　　"Idon’tbelieveOldNickcanbesovery，ugly"saidAuntJamesinareflectively。"Hewouldn’tdosomuchharmifhewas。_I_alwaysthinkofhimasaratherhandsomegentleman。"
　　ChapterXVII
　　ALetterfromDavy"It’sbeginningtosnow，girls，"saidPhil，cominginoneNovemberevening，"andtherearetheloveliestlittlestarsandcrossesalloverthegardenwalk。Inevernoticedbeforewhatexquisitethingssnowflakesreallyare。Onehastimetonoticethingslikethatinthesimplelife。Blessyouallforpermittingmetoliveit。It’sreallydelightfultofeelworriedbecausebutterhasgoneupfivecentsapound。"
　　"Hasit？"demandedStella，whokeptthehouseholdaccounts。
　　"Ithas——andhere’syourbutter。I’mgettingquiteexpertatmarketing。
　　It’sbetterfunthanflirting，"concludedPhilgravely。
　　"Everythingisgoingupscandalously，"sighedStella。
　　"Nevermind。Thankgoodnessairandsalvationarestillfree，"
　　saidAuntJamesina。
　　"Andsoislaughter，"addedAnne。"There’snotaxonityetandthatiswell，becauseyou’reallgoingtolaughpresently。
　　I’mgoingtoreadyouDavy’sletter。Hisspellinghasimprovedimmenselythispastyear，thoughheisnotstrongonapostrophes，andhecertainlypossessesthegiftofwritinganinterestingletter。
　　Listenandlaugh，beforewesettledowntotheevening’sstudy-grind。"
　　"DearAnne，"ranDavy’sletter，"Itakemypentotellyouthatweareallprettywellandhopethiswillfindyouthesame。
　　It’ssnowingsometodayandMarillasaystheoldwomanintheskyisshakingherfeatherbeds。IstheoldwomanintheskyGod’swife，Anne？Iwanttoknow。
　　"Mrs。Lyndehasbeenrealsickbutsheisbetternow。Shefelldownthecellarstairslastweek。Whenshefellshegrabbedholdoftheshelfwithallthemilkpailsandstewpansonit，anditgavewayandwentdownwithherandmadeasplendidcrash。
　　Marillathoughtitwasanearthquakeatfirst。
　　OneofthestewpanswasalldingedupandMrs。Lyndestranedherribs。
　　Thedoctorcameandgavehermedicinetorubonherribsbutshedidn’tunderstandhimandtookitallinsideinstead。
　　ThedoctorsaiditwasawonderitdidentkillherbutitdidentanditcuredherribsandMrs。Lyndesaysdoctorsdontknowmuchanyhow。Butwecouldentfixupthestewpan。Marillahadtothrowitout。Thanksgivingwaslastweek。Therewasnoschoolandwehadagreatdinner。Ietmincepieandrostturkeyandfrutcakeanddonutsandcheeseandjamandchoklutcake。
　　MarillasaidI’ddiebutIdident。Dorahadearakeafterit，onlyitwasentinherearsitwasinherstummick。Ididenthaveearakeanywhere。
　　"Ournewteacherisaman。Hedoesthingsforjokes。Lastweekhemadeallusthird-classboyswriteacomposishunonwhatkindofawifewe’dliketohaveandthegirlsonwhatkindofahusband。Helaughedfittokillwhenhereadthem。Thiswasmine。Ithoughtyoudliketoseeit。
　　"`ThekindofawifeI’dliketoHave。
　　"`ShemusthavegoodmannersandgetmymealsontimeanddowhatItellherandalwaysbeverypolitetome。Shemustbefifteenyersold。Shemustbegoodtothepoorandkeepherhousetidyandbegoodtemperedandgotochurchregularly。
　　Shemustbeveryhandsomeandhavecurlyhair。IfIgetawifethatisjustwhatIlikeIllbeanawfulgoodhusbandtoher。
　　Ithinkawomanoughttobeawfulgoodtoherhusband。Somepoorwomenhaventanyhusbands。
　　`THEEND。’"
　　"IwasatMrs。IsaacWrightsfuneralatWhiteSandslastweek。
　　Thehusbandofthecorpsefeltrealsorry。Mrs。LyndesaysMrs。WrightsgrandfatherstoleasheepbutMarillasayswemustentspeakillofthedead。Whymustentwe，Anne？Iwanttoknow。
　　It’sprettysafe，ain’tit？
　　"Mrs。LyndewasawfulmadtheotherdaybecauseIaskedherifshewasaliveinNoah’stime。Ididentmeantohurtherfeelings。
　　Ijustwantedtoknow。Wasshe，Anne？
　　"Mr。Harrisonwantedtogetridofhisdog。SohehungedhimoncebuthecometolifeandscootedforthebarnwhileMr。
　　Harrisonwasdiggingthegrave，sohehungedhimagainandhestayeddeadthattime。Mr。Harrisonhasanewmanworkingforhim。
　　He’sawfulokward。Mr。Harrisonsaysheislefthandedinbothhisfeet。Mr。Barry’shiredmanislazy。Mrs。BarrysaysthatbutMr。Barrysaysheaintlazyexactlyonlyhethinksiteasiertoprayforthingsthantoworkforthem。
　　"Mrs。HarmonAndrewsprizepigthatshetalkedsomuchofdiedinafit。Mrs。Lyndesaysitwasajudgmentonherforpride。
　　ButIthinkitwashardonthepig。MiltyBoulterhasbeensick。
　　Thedoctorgavehimmedicineandittastedhorrid。IofferedtotakeitforhimforaquarterbuttheBoultersaresomean。
　　Miltysayshe’drathertakeithimselfandsavehismoney。
　　IaskedMrs。Boulterhowapersonwouldgoaboutcatchingamanandshegotawfulmadandsaidshedidentknow，shedneverchasedmen。
　　"TheA。V。I。S。isgoingtopaintthehallagain。They’retiredofhavingitblue。
　　"Thenewministerwasheretotealastnight。Hetookthreepiecesofpie。
　　IfIdidthatMrs。Lyndewouldcallmepiggy。AndheetfastandtookbigbitesandMarillaisalwaystellingmenottodothat。
　　Whycanministersdowhatboyscan’t？Iwanttoknow。
　　"Ihaven’tanymorenews。Herearesixkisses。xxxxxx。Dorasendsone。Hereshers。x。
　　"YourlovingfriendDAVIDKEITH"
　　"P。S。Anne，whowasthedevilsfather？Iwanttoknow。"
　　ChapterXVIII
　　MissJosepineRememberstheAnne-girlWhenChristmasholidayscamethegirlsofPatty’sPlacescatteredtotheirrespectivehomes，butAuntJamesinaelectedtostaywhereshewas。
　　"Icouldn’tgotoanyoftheplacesI’vebeeninvitedandtakethosethreecats，"shesaid。"AndI’mnotgoingtoleavethepoorcreaturesherealonefornearlythreeweeks。IfwehadanydecentneighborswhowouldfeedthemImight，butthere’snothingexceptmillionairesonthisstreet。SoI’llstayhereandkeepPatty’sPlacewarmforyou。"
　　Annewenthomewiththeusualjoyousanticipations——whichwerenotwhollyfulfilled。ShefoundAvonleainthegripofsuchanearly，cold，andstormywinteraseventhe"oldestinhabitant"
　　couldnotrecall。GreenGableswasliterallyhemmedinbyhugedrifts。Almosteverydayofthatill-starredvacationitstormedfiercely；andevenonfinedaysitdriftedunceasingly。Nosoonerweretheroadsbrokenthantheyfilledinagain。Itwasalmostimpossibletostirout。TheA。V。I。S。tried，onthreeevenings，tohaveapartyinhonorofthecollegestudents，andoneacheveningthestormwassowildthatnobodycouldgo，sotheygaveuptheattemptindespair。Anne，despiteherloveofandloyaltytoGreenGables，couldnothelpthinkinglonginglyofPatty’sPlace，itscosyopenfire，AuntJamesina’smirthfuleyes，thethreecats，themerrychatterofthegirls，thepleasantnessofFridayeveningswhencollegefriendsdroppedintotalkofgraveandgay。
　　Annewaslonely；Diana，duringthewholeoftheholidays，wasimprisonedathomewithabadattackofbronchitis。ShecouldnotcometoGreenGablesanditwasrarelyAnnecouldgettoOrchardSlope，fortheoldwaythroughtheHauntedWoodwasimpassablewithdrifts，andthelongwayoverthefrozenLakeofShiningWaterswasalmostasbad。RubyGilliswassleepinginthewhite-heapedgraveyard；JaneAndrewswasteachingaschoolonwesternprairies。Gilbert，tobesure，wasstillfaithful，andwadeduptoGreenGableseverypossibleevening。ButGilbert’svisitswerenotwhattheyoncewere。Annealmostdreadedthem。
　　ItwasverydisconcertingtolookupinthemidstofasuddensilenceandfindGilbert’shazeleyesfixeduponherwithaquiteunmistakableexpressionintheirgravedepths；anditwasstillmoredisconcertingtofindherselfblushinghotlyanduncomfortablyunderhisgaze，justasif——justasif——well，itwasveryembarrassing。AnnewishedherselfbackatPatty’sPlace，wheretherewasalwayssomebodyelseabouttotaketheedgeoffadelicatesituation。AtGreenGablesMarillawentpromptlytoMrs。Lynde’sdomainwhenGilbertcameandinsistedontakingthetwinswithher。ThesignificanceofthiswasunmistakableandAnnewasinahelplessfuryoverit。
　　Davy，however，wasperfectlyhappy。Hereveledingettingoutinthemorningandshovelingoutthepathstothewellandhenhouse。
　　HegloriedintheChristmas-tidedelicacieswhichMarillaandMrs。LyndeviedwitheachotherinpreparingforAnne，andhewasreadinganenthrallingtale，inaschoollibrarybook，ofawonderfulherowhoseemedblessedwithamiraculousfacultyforgettingintoscrapesfromwhichhewasusuallydeliveredbyanearthquakeoravolcanicexplosion，whichblewhimhighanddryoutofhistroubles，landedhiminafortune，andclosedthestorywithproperECLAT。
　　"Itellyouit’sabullystory，Anne，"hesaidecstatically。
　　"I’deversomuchratherreaditthantheBible。"
　　"Wouldyou？"smiledAnne。
　　Davypeeredcuriouslyather。
　　"Youdon’tseemabitshocked，Anne。Mrs。LyndewasawfulshockedwhenIsaidittoher。"
　　"No，I’mnotshocked，Davy。Ithinkit’squitenaturalthatanine-year-oldboywouldsoonerreadanadventurestorythantheBible。ButwhenyouareolderIhopeandthinkthatyouwillrealizewhatawonderfulbooktheBibleis。"
　　"Oh，Ithinksomepartsofitarefine，"concededDavy。"ThatstoryaboutJosephnow——it’sbully。ButifI’dbeenJoseph_I_
　　wouldn’thaveforgivethebrothers。No，siree，Anne。I’dhavecutalltheirheadsoff。Mrs。LyndewasawfulmadwhenIsaidthatandshuttheBibleupandsaidshe’dneverreadmeanymoreofitifItalkedlikethat。SoIdon’ttalknowwhenshereadsitSundayafternoons；IjustthinkthingsandsaythemtoMiltyBoulternextdayinschool。ItoldMiltythestoryaboutElishaandthebearsanditscaredhimsohe’snevermadefunofMr。Harrison’sbaldheadonce。ArethereanybearsonP。E。Island，Anne？Iwanttoknow。"
　　"Notnowadays，"saidAnne，absently，asthewindblewascudofsnowagainstthewindow。"Oh，dear，williteverstopstorming。"
　　"Godknows，"saidDavyairily，preparingtoresumehisreading。
　　AnneWASshockedthistime。
　　"Davy！"sheexclaimedreproachfully。
　　"Mrs。Lyndesaysthat，"protestedDavy。"OnenightlastweekMarillasaid`WillLudovicSpeedandTheodoraDixEVERgetmarried"andMrs。Lyndesaid，`Godknows’——justlikethat。"
　　"Well，itwasn’trightforhertosayit，"saidAnne，promptlydecidinguponwhichhornofthisdilemmatoempaleherself。
　　"Itisn’trightforanybodytotakethatnameinvainorspeakitlightly，Davy。Don’teverdoitagain。"
　　"NotifIsayitslowandsolemn，liketheminister？"queriedDavygravely。
　　"No，noteventhen。"
　　"Well，Iwon’t。LudovicSpeedandTheodoraDixliveinMiddleGraftonandMrs。Rachelsayshehasbeencourtingherforahundredyears。Won’ttheysoonbetoooldtogetmarried，Anne？
　　IhopeGilbertwon’tcourtYOUthatlong。Whenareyougoingtobemarried，Anne？Mrs。Lyndesaysit’sasurething。"
　　"Mrs。Lyndeisa——"beganAnnehotly；thenstopped。"Awfuloldgossip，"completedDavycalmly。"That’swhateveryonecallsher。
　　Butisitasurething，Anne？Iwanttoknow。"
　　"You’reaverysillylittleboy，Davy，"saidAnne，stalkinghaughtilyoutoftheroom。Thekitchenwasdesertedandshesatdownbythewindowinthefastfallingwintrytwilight。Thesunhadsetandthewindhaddieddown。Apalechillymoonlookedoutbehindabankofpurplecloudsinthewest。Theskyfadedout，butthestripofyellowalongthewesternhorizongrewbrighterandfiercer，asifallthestraygleamsoflightwereconcentratinginonespot；thedistanthills，rimmedwithpriest-likefirs，stoodoutindarkdistinctnessagainstit。
　　Annelookedacrossthestill，whitefields，coldandlifelessintheharshlightofthatgrimsunset，andsighed。Shewasverylonely；andshewassadatheart；forshewaswonderingifshewouldbeabletoreturntoRedmondnextyear。Itdidnotseemlikely。TheonlyscholarshippossibleintheSophomoreyearwasaverysmallaffair。ShewouldnottakeMarilla’smoney；
　　andthereseemedlittleprospectofbeingabletoearnenoughinthesummervacation。
　　"IsupposeI’lljusthavetodropoutnextyear，"shethoughtdrearily，"andteachadistrictschoolagainuntilIearnenoughtofinishmycourse。AndbythattimeallmyoldclasswillhavegraduatedandPatty’sPlacewillbeoutofthequestion。Butthere！
　　I’mnotgoingtobeacoward。I’mthankfulIcanearnmywaythroughifnecessary。"
　　"Here’sMr。Harrisonwadingupthelane，"announcedDavy，runningout。
　　"Ihopehe’sbroughtthemail。It’sthreedayssincewegotit。
　　IwanttoseewhatthempeskyGritsaredoing。I’maConservative，Anne。
　　AndItellyou，youhavetokeepyoureyeonthemGrits。"
　　Mr。Harrisonhadbroughtthemail，andmerrylettersfromStellaandPriscillaandPhilsoondissipatedAnne’sblues。AuntJamesina，too，hadwritten，sayingthatshewaskeepingthehearth-firealight，andthatthecatswereallwell，andthehouseplantsdoingfine。
　　"Theweatherhasbeenrealcold，"shewrote，"soIletthecatssleepinthehouse——RustyandJosephonthesofaintheliving-room，andtheSarah-catonthefootofmybed。It’srealcompanytohearherpurringwhenIwakeupinthenightandthinkofmypoordaughterintheforeignfield。IfitwasanywherebutinIndiaIwouldn’tworry，buttheysaythesnakesoutthereareterrible。IttakesalltheSarah-cats’spurringtodriveawaythethoughtofthosesnakes。
　　Ihaveenoughfaithforeverythingbutthesnakes。Ican’tthinkwhyProvidenceevermadethem。SometimesIdon’tthinkHedid。
　　I’minclinedtobelievetheOldHarryhadahandinmakingTHEM。"
　　Annehadleftathin，typewrittencommunicationtillthelast，thinkingitunimportant。Whenshehadreaditshesatverystill，withtearsinhereyes。
　　"Whatisthematter，Anne？"askedMarilla。
　　"MissJosephineBarryisdead，"saidAnne，inalowtone。
　　"Soshehasgoneatlast，"saidMarilla。"Well，shehasbeensickforoverayear，andtheBarryshavebeenexpectingtohearofherdeathanytime。Itiswellsheisatrestforshehassuffereddreadfully，Anne。Shewasalwayskindtoyou。"
　　"Shehasbeenkindtothelast，Marilla。Thisletterisfromherlawyer。
　　Shehasleftmeathousanddollarsinherwill。"
　　"Gracious，ain’tthatanawfullotofmoney，"exclaimedDavy。
　　"She’sthewomanyouandDianalitonwhenyoujumpedintothespareroombed，ain’tshe？Dianatoldmethatstory。
　　Isthatwhysheleftyousomuch？"
　　"Hush，Davy，"saidAnnegently。Sheslippedawaytotheporchgablewithafullheart，leavingMarillaandMrs。Lyndetotalkoverthenewstotheirhearts’content。
　　"Doyous’poseAnnewillevergetmarriednow？"speculatedDavyanxiously。"WhenDorcasSloanegotmarriedlastsummershesaidifshe’dhadenoughmoneytoliveonshe’dneverhavebeenbotheredwithaman，butevenawidowerwitheightchildrenwasbetter’nlivingwithasister-in-law。"
　　"DavyKeith，doholdyourtongue，"saidMrs。Rachelseverely。
　　"Thewayyoutalkisscandalousforasmallboy，that’swhat。"
　　ChapterXIX
　　AnInterlude"Tothinkthatthisismytwentiethbirthday，andthatI’veleftmyteensbehindmeforever，"saidAnne，whowascurleduponthehearth-rugwithRustyinherlap，toAuntJamesinawhowasreadinginherpetchair。Theywerealoneinthelivingroom。StellaandPriscillahadgonetoacommitteemeetingandPhilwasupstairsadorningherselfforaparty。
　　"Isupposeyoufeelkindof，sorry"saidAuntJamesina。"Theteensaresuchanicepartoflife。I’mgladI’venevergoneoutofthemmyself。"
　　Annelaughed。
　　"Youneverwill，Aunty。You’llbeeighteenwhenyoushouldbeahundred。Yes，I’msorry，andalittledissatisfiedaswell。
　　MissStacytoldmelongagothatbythetimeIwastwentymycharacterwouldbeformed，forgoodorevil。Idon’tfeelthatit’swhatitshouldbe。It’sfullofflaws。"
　　"So’severybody’s，"saidAuntJamesinacheerfully。"Mine’scrackedinahundredplaces。YourMissStacylikelymeantthatwhenyouaretwentyyourcharacterwouldhavegotitspermanentbentinonedirectionor’tother，andwouldgoondevelopinginthatline。Don’tworryoverit，Anne。DoyourdutybyGodandyourneighborandyourself，andhaveagoodtime。That’smyphilosophyandit’salwaysworkedprettywell。Where’sPhilofftotonight？"
　　"She’sgoingtoadance，andshe’sgotthesweetestdressforit——creamyyellowsilkandcobwebbylace。Itjustsuitsthosebrowntintsofhers。"
　　"There’smagicinthewords`silk’and`lace，’isn’tthere？"saidAuntJamesina。"Theverysoundofthemmakesmefeellikeskippingofftoadance。AndYELLOWsilk。Itmakesonethinkofadressofsunshine。Ialwayswantedayellowsilkdress，butfirstmymotherandthenmyhusbandwouldn’thearofit。TheveryfirstthingI’mgoingtodowhenIgettoheavenistogetayellowsilkdress。"
　　AmidAnne’spealoflaughterPhilcamedownstairs，trailingcloudsofglory，andsurveyedherselfinthelongovalmirroronthewall。
　　"Aflatteringlookingglassisapromoterofamiability，"shesaid。"Theoneinmyroomdoescertainlymakemegreen。DoI
　　lookprettynice，Anne？"
　　"Doyoureallyknowhowprettyyouare，Phil？"askedAnne，inhonestadmiration。
　　"OfcourseIdo。Whatarelookingglassesandmenfor？Thatwasn’twhatImeant。Areallmyendstuckedin？Ismyskirtstraight？
　　Andwouldthisroselookbetterlowerdown？I’mafraidit’stoohigh——itwillmakemelooklop-sided。ButIhatethingsticklingmyears。"
　　"Everythingisjustright，andthatsouthwestdimpleofyoursislovely。"
　　"Anne，there’sonethinginparticularIlikeaboutyou——you’resoungrudging。Thereisn’taparticleofenvyinyou。"
　　"Whyshouldshebeenvious？"demandedAuntJamesina。"She’snotquiteasgoodlookingasyou，maybe，butshe’sgotafarhandsomernose。"
　　"Iknowit，"concededPhil。
　　"Mynosealwayshasbeenagreatcomforttome，"confessedAnne。
　　"AndIlovethewayyourhairgrowsonyourforehead，Anne。Andthatoneweecurl，alwayslookingasifitweregoingtodrop，butneverdropping，isdelicious。Butasfornoses，mineisadreadfulworrytome。IknowbythetimeI’mfortyitwillbeByrney。WhatdoyouthinkI’lllooklikewhenI’mforty，Anne？"
　　"Likeanold，matronly，marriedwoman，"teasedAnne。
　　"Iwon’t，"saidPhil，sittingdowncomfortablytowaitforherescort。
　　"Joseph，youcalicobeastie，don’tyoudarejumponmylap。Iwon’tgotoadanceallovercathairs。No，Anne，IWON’Tlookmatronly。ButnodoubtI’llbemarried。"
　　"ToAlecorAlonzo？"askedAnne。
　　"Tooneofthem，Isuppose，"sighedPhil，"ifIcaneverdecidewhich。"
　　"Itshouldn’tbehardtodecide，"scoldedAuntJamesina。
　　"Iwasbornasee-sawAunty，andnothingcaneverpreventmefromteetering。"
　　"Yououghttobemorelevelheaded，Philippa。"
　　"It’sbesttobelevelheaded，ofcourse，"agreedPhilippa，"butyoumisslotsoffun。AsforAlecandAlonzo，ifyouknewthemyou’dunderstandwhyit’sdifficulttochoosebetweenthem。They’reequallynice。"
　　"Thentakesomebodywhoisnicer"suggestedAuntJamesina。
　　"There’sthatSeniorwhoissodevotedtoyou——WillLeslie。
　　Hehassuchnice，large，mildeyes。"
　　"They’realittlebittoolargeandtoomild——likeacow’s，"
　　saidPhilcruelly。
　　"WhatdoyousayaboutGeorgeParker？"
　　"There’snothingtosayabouthimexceptthathealwayslooksasifhehadjustbeenstarchedandironed。"
　　"MarrHolworthythen。Youcan’tfindafaultwithhim。"
　　"No，hewoulddoifhewasn’tpoor。Imustmarryarichman，AuntJamesina。That——andgoodlooks——isanindispensablequalification。I’dmarryGilbertBlytheifhewererich。"
　　"Oh，wouldyou？"saidAnne，ratherviciously。
　　"Wedon’tlikethatideaalittlebit，althoughwedon’twantGilbertourselves，oh，no，"mockedPhil。"Butdon’tlet’stalkofdisagreeablesubjects。I’llhavetomarrysometime，Isuppose，butIshallputofftheevildayaslongasIcan。"
　　"Youmustn’tmarryanybodyyoudon’tlove，Phil，whenall’ssaidanddone，"saidAuntJamesina。
　　"`Oh，heartsthatlovedinthegoodoldwayHavebeenouto’thefashionthismanyaday。’"
　　trilledPhilmockingly。"There’sthecarriage。Ifly——Bi-bi，youtwoold-fashioneddarlings。"
　　WhenPhilhadgoneAuntJamesinalookedsolemnlyatAnne。
　　"Thatgirlisprettyandsweetandgoodhearted，butdoyouthinksheisquiterightinhermind，byspells，Anne？"
　　"Oh，Idon’tthinkthere’sanythingthematterwithPhil’smind，"
　　saidAnne，hidingasmile。"It’sjustherwayoftalking。"
　　AuntJamesinashookherhead。
　　"Well，Ihopeso，Anne。Idohopeso，becauseIloveher。But_I_
　　can’tunderstandher——shebeatsme。Sheisn’tlikeanyofthegirlsIeverknew，oranyofthegirlsIwasmyself。"
　　"Howmanygirlswereyou，AuntJimsie？"
　　"Abouthalfadozen，mydear。"
　　ChapterXX
　　GilbertSpeaks"Thishasbeenadull，prosyday，"yawnedPhil，stretchingherselfidlyonthesofa，havingpreviouslydispossessedtwoexceedinglyindignantcats。
　　AnnelookedupfromPickwickPapers。NowthatspringexaminationswereovershewastreatingherselftoDickens。
　　"Ithasbeenaprosydayforus，"shesaidthoughtfully，"buttosomepeopleithasbeenawonderfulday。Someonehasbeenrapturouslyhappyinit。Perhapsagreatdeedhasbeendonesomewheretoday——oragreatpoemwritten——oragreatmanborn。
　　Andsomehearthasbeenbroken，Phil。"
　　"Whydidyouspoilyourprettythoughtbytaggingthatlastsentenceon，honey？"grumbledPhil。"Idon’tliketothinkofbrokenhearts——oranythingunpleasant。"
　　"Doyouthinkyou’llbeabletoshirkunpleasantthingsallyourlife，Phil？"
　　"Dearme，no。AmInotupagainstthemnow？Youdon’tcallAlecandAlonzopleasantthings，doyou，whentheysimplyplaguemylifeout？"
　　"Younevertakeanythingseriously，Phil。"
　　"WhyshouldI？Thereareenoughfolkswhodo。Theworldneedspeoplelikeme，Anne，justtoamuseit。ItwouldbeaterribleplaceifEVERYBODYwereintellectualandseriousandindeep，deadlyearnest。MYmissionis，asJosiahAllensays，`tocharmandallure。’Confessnow。Hasn’tlifeatPatty’sPlacebeenreallymuchbrighterandpleasanterthispastwinterbecauseI’vebeenheretoleavenyou？"
　　"Yes，ithas，"ownedAnne。
　　"Andyouallloveme——evenAuntJamesina，whothinksI’mstarkmad。
　　SowhyshouldItrytobedifferent？Oh，dear，I’msosleepy。Iwasawakeuntilonelastnight，readingaharrowingghoststory。Ireaditinbed，andafterIhadfinisheditdoyousupposeIcouldgetoutofbedtoputthelightout？No！AndifStellahadnotfortunatelycomeinlatethatlampwouldhaveburnedgoodandbrighttillmorning。
　　WhenIheardStellaIcalledherin，explainedmypredicament，andgothertoputoutthelight。IfIhadgotoutmyselftodoitIknewsomethingwouldgrabmebythefeetwhenIwasgettinginagain。
　　Bytheway，Anne，hasAuntJamesinadecidedwhattodothissummer？"
　　"Yes，she’sgoingtostayhere。Iknowshe’sdoingitforthesakeofthoseblessedcats，althoughshesaysit’stoomuchtroubletoopenherownhouse，andshehatesvisiting。"
　　"Whatareyoureading？"
　　"Pickwick。"
　　"That’sabookthatalwaysmakesmehungry，"saidPhil。"There’ssomuchgoodeatinginit。Thecharactersseemalwaystoberevelingonhamandeggsandmilkpunch。IgenerallygoonacupboardrummageafterreadingPickwick。ThemerethoughtremindsmethatI’mstarving。
　　Isthereanytidbitinthepantry，QueenAnne？"
　　"Imadealemonpiethismorning。Youmayhaveapieceofit。"
　　PhildashedouttothepantryandAnnebetookherselftotheorchardincompanywithRusty。Itwasamoist，pleasantly-
　　odorousnightinearlyspring。Thesnowwasnotquiteallgonefromthepark；alittledingybankofityetlayunderthepinesoftheharborroad，screenedfromtheinfluenceofAprilsuns。
　　Itkepttheharborroadmuddy，andchilledtheeveningair。
　　ButgrasswasgrowinggreeninshelteredspotsandGilberthadfoundsomepale，sweetarbutusinahiddencorner。
　　Hecameupfromthepark，hishandsfullofit。
　　Annewassittingonthebiggrayboulderintheorchardlookingatthepoemofabare，birchenboughhangingagainstthepaleredsunsetwiththeveryperfectionofgrace。Shewasbuildingacastleinair——awondrousmansionwhosesunlitcourtsandstatelyhallsweresteepedinAraby’sperfume，andwhereshereignedqueenandchatelaine。ShefrownedasshesawGilbertcomingthroughtheorchard。OflateshehadmanagednottobeleftalonewithGilbert。Buthehadcaughtherfairlynow；andevenRustyhaddesertedher。
　　GilbertsatdownbesideherontheboulderandheldouthisMayflowers。
　　"Don’ttheseremindyouofhomeandouroldschooldaypicnics，Anne？"
　　Annetookthemandburiedherfaceinthem。
　　"I’minMr。SilasSloane’sbarrensthisveryminute，"shesaidrapturously。
　　"Isupposeyouwillbethereinrealityinafewdays？"
　　"No，notforafortnight。I’mgoingtovisitwithPhilinBolingbrokebeforeIgohome。You’llbeinAvonleabeforeIwill。"
　　"No，IshallnotbeinAvonleaatallthissummer，Anne。I’vebeenofferedajobintheDailyNewsofficeandI’mgoingtotakeit。"
　　"Oh，"saidAnnevaguely。ShewonderedwhatawholeAvonleasummerwouldbelikewithoutGilbert。Somehowshedidnotliketheprospect。
　　"Well，"sheconcludedflatly，"itisagoodthingforyou，ofcourse。"
　　"Yes，I’vebeenhopingIwouldgetit。Itwillhelpmeoutnextyear。"
　　"Youmustn’tworktooHARD，"saidAnne，withoutanyveryclearideaofwhatshewassaying。ShewisheddesperatelythatPhilwouldcomeout。"You’vestudiedveryconstantlythiswinter。
　　Isn’tthisadelightfulevening？Doyouknow，Ifoundaclusterofwhitevioletsunderthatoldtwistedtreeovertheretoday？
　　IfeltasifIhaddiscoveredagoldmine。"
　　"Youarealwaysdiscoveringgoldmines，"saidGilbert——alsoabsently。
　　"Letusgoandseeifwecanfindsomemore，"suggestedAnneeagerly。
　　"I’llcallPhiland——"
　　"NevermindPhilandthevioletsjustnow，Anne，"saidGilbertquietly，takingherhandinaclaspfromwhichshecouldnotfreeit。"ThereissomethingIwanttosaytoyou。"
　　"Oh，don’tsayit，"criedAnne，pleadingly。"Don’t——PLEASE，Gilbert。"
　　"Imust。Thingscan’tgoonlikethisanylonger。Anne，Iloveyou。
　　YouknowIdo。I——Ican’ttellyouhowmuch。Willyoupromisemethatsomedayyou’llbemywife？"
　　"I——Ican’t，"saidAnnemiserably。"Oh，Gilbert——you——
　　you’vespoiledeverything。"
　　"Don’tyoucareformeatall？"Gilbertaskedafteraverydreadfulpause，duringwhichAnnehadnotdaredtolookup。
　　"Not——notinthatway。Idocareagreatdealforyouasafriend。
　　ButIdon’tloveyou，Gilbert。"
　　"Butcan’tyougivemesomehopethatyouwill——yet？"
　　"No，Ican’t，"exclaimedAnnedesperately。"Inever，nevercanloveyou——inthatway——Gilbert。Youmustneverspeakofthistomeagain。"