"Phil，you’renotreallyfrivolous，"saidAnnegravely。"’Waydownunderneaththatfrivolousexteriorofyoursyou’vegotadear，loyal，womanlylittlesoul。Whydoyouhideitso？"
　　"Ican’thelpit，QueenAnne。Youareright——I’mnotfrivolousatheart。Butthere’sasortoffrivolousskinovermysoulandIcan’ttakeitoff。AsMrs。Poysersays，I’dhavetobehatchedoveragainandhatcheddifferentbeforeIcouldchangeit。ButJonasknowstherealmeandlovesme，frivolityandall。AndI
　　lovehim。IneverwassosurprisedinmylifeasIwaswhenI
　　foundoutIlovedhim。I’dneverthoughtitpossibletofallinlovewithanuglyman。Fancymecomingdowntoonesolitarybeau。AndonenamedJonas！ButImeantocallhimJo。That’ssuchanice，crisplittlename。Icouldn’tnicknameAlonzo。"
　　"WhataboutAlecandAlonzo？"
　　"Oh，ItoldthematChristmasthatInevercouldmarryeitherofthem。ItseemssofunnynowtorememberthatIeverthoughtitpossiblethatImight。TheyfeltsobadlyIjustcriedoverbothofthem——howled。ButIknewtherewasonlyonemanintheworldIcouldevermarry。Ihadmadeupmyownmindforonceanditwasrealeasy，too。It’sverydelightfultofeelsosure，andknowit’syourownsurenessandnotsomebodyelse’s。"
　　"Doyousupposeyou’llbeabletokeepitup？"
　　"Makingupmymind，youmean？Idon’tknow，butJohasgivenmeasplendidrule。Hesays，whenI’mperplexed，justtodowhatI
　　wouldwishIhaddonewhenIshallbeeighty。Anyhow，Jocanmakeuphismindquicklyenough，anditwouldbeuncomfortabletohavetoomuchmindinthesamehouse。"
　　"Whatwillyourfatherandmothersay？"
　　"Fatherwon’tsaymuch。HethinkseverythingIdoright。
　　ButmotherWILLtalk。Oh，hertonguewillbeasByrneyashernose。Butintheenditwillbeallright。"
　　"You’llhavetogiveupagoodmanythingsyou’vealwayshad，whenyoumarryMr。Blake，Phil。"
　　"ButI’llhaveHIM。Iwon’tmisstheotherthings。We’retobemarriedayearfromnextJune。JograduatesfromSt。Columbiathisspring，youknow。Thenhe’sgoingtotakealittlemissionchurchdownonPattersonStreetintheslums。Fancymeintheslums！ButI’dgothereortoGreenland’sicymountainswithhim。"
　　"AndthisisthegirlwhowouldNEVERmarryamanwhowasn’trich，"
　　commentedAnnetoayoungpinetree。
　　"Oh，don’tcastupthefolliesofmyyouthtome。IshallbepoorasgailyasI’vebeenrich。You’llsee。I’mgoingtolearnhowtocookandmakeoverdresses。I’velearnedhowtomarketsinceI’velivedatPatty’sPlace；andonceItaughtaSundaySchoolclassforawholesummer。AuntJamesinasaysI’llruinJo’scareerifImarryhim。ButIwon’t。IknowIhaven’tmuchsenseorsobriety，butI’vegotwhatiseversomuchbetter——
　　theknackofmakingpeoplelikeme。ThereisamaninBolingbrokewholispsandalwaystestifiesinprayer-meeting。
　　Hesays，’Ifyoucan’tthinelikeanelectricthtarthinelikeacandlethtick。’I’llbeJo’slittlecandlestick。"
　　"Phil，you’reincorrigible。Well，IloveyousomuchthatIcan’tmakenice，light，congratulatorylittlespeeches。
　　ButI’mheart-gladofyourhappiness。"
　　"Iknow。Thosebiggrayeyesofyoursarebrimmingoverwithrealfriendship，Anne。SomedayI’lllookthesamewayatyou。
　　You’regoingtomarryRoy，aren’tyou，Anne？"
　　"MydearPhilippa，didyoueverhearofthefamousBettyBaxter，who`refusedamanbeforehe’daxedher’？Iamnotgoingtoemulatethatcelebratedladybyeitherrefusingoracceptinganyonebeforehe`axes’me。"
　　"AllRedmondknowsthatRoyiscrazyaboutyou，"saidPhilcandidly。"
　　AndyouDOlovehim，don’tyou，Anne？"
　　"I——Isupposeso，"saidAnnereluctantly。Shefeltthatsheoughttobeblushingwhilemakingsuchaconfession；butshewasnot；
　　ontheotherhand，shealwaysblushedhotlywhenanyonesaidanythingaboutGilbertBlytheorChristineStuartinherhearing。
　　GilbertBlytheandChristineStuartwerenothingtoher——
　　absolutelynothing。ButAnnehadgivenuptryingtoanalyzethereasonofherblushes。AsforRoy，ofcourseshewasinlovewithhim——madlyso。Howcouldshehelpit？Washenotherideal？Whocouldresistthosegloriousdarkeyes，andthatpleadingvoice？WerenothalftheRedmondgirlswildlyenvious？
　　Andwhatacharmingsonnethehadsenther，withaboxofviolets，onherbirthday！Annekneweverywordofitbyheart。Itwasverygoodstuffofitskind，too。NotexactlyuptothelevelofKeatsorShakespeare——evenAnnewasnotsodeeplyinloveastothinkthat。
　　Butitwasverytolerablemagazineverse。AnditwasaddressedtoHER——
　　nottoLauraorBeatriceortheMaidofAthens，buttoher，AnneShirley。
　　Tobetoldinrhythmicalcadencesthathereyeswerestarsofthemorning——thathercheekhadtheflushitstolefromthesunrise——thatherlipswereredderthantherosesofParadise，wasthrillinglyromantic。
　　Gilbertwouldneverhavedreamedofwritingasonnettohereyebrows。
　　Butthen，Gilbertcouldseeajoke。ShehadoncetoldRoyafunnystory——andhehadnotseenthepointofit。SherecalledthechummylaughsheandGilberthadhadtogetheroverit，andwondereduneasilyiflifewithamanwhohadnosenseofhumormightnotbesomewhatuninterestinginthelongrun。Butwhocouldexpectamelancholy，inscrutableherotoseethehumoroussideofthings？Itwouldbeflatlyunreasonable。
　　ChapterXXVIII
　　AJuneEvening"IwonderwhatitwouldbeliketoliveinaworldwhereitwasalwaysJune，"saidAnne，asshecamethroughthespiceandbloomofthetwilitorchardtothefrontdoorsteps，whereMarillaandMrs。Rachelweresitting，talkingoverMrs。SamsonCoates’funeral，whichtheyhadattendedthatday。Dorasatbetweenthem，diligentlystudyingherlessons；butDavywassittingtailor-fashiononthegrass，lookingasgloomyanddepressedashissingledimplewouldlethim。
　　"You’dgettiredofit，"saidMarilla，withasigh。
　　"Idaresay；butjustnowIfeelthatitwouldtakemealongtimetogettiredofit，ifitwereallascharmingastoday。
　　EverythinglovesJune。Davy-boy，whythismelancholyNovemberfaceinblossom-time？"
　　"I’mjustsickandtiredofliving，"saidtheyouthfulpessimist。
　　"Attenyears？Dearme，howsad！"
　　"I’mnotmakingfun，"saidDavywithdignity。"I’mdis——dis——
　　discouraged"——bringingoutthebigwordwithavalianteffort。
　　"Whyandwherefore？"askedAnne，sittingdownbesidehim。
　　"’CausethenewteacherthatcomewhenMr。HolmesgotsickgivemetensumstodoforMonday。It’lltakemealldaytomorrowtodothem。Itisn’tfairtohavetoworkSaturdays。MiltyBoultersaidhewouldn’tdothem，butMarillasaysI’vegotto。Idon’tlikeMissCarsonabit。"
　　"Don’ttalklikethataboutyourteacher，DavyKeith，"saidMrs。Rachelseverely。"MissCarsonisaveryfinegirl。
　　Thereisnononsenseabouther。"
　　"Thatdoesn’tsoundveryattractive，"laughedAnne。"Ilikepeopletohavealittlenonsenseaboutthem。ButI’minclinedtohaveabetteropinionofMissCarsonthanyouhave。Isawherinprayer-meetinglastnight，andshehasapairofeyesthatcan’talwayslooksensible。Now，Davy-boy，takeheartofgrace。
　　`Tomorrowwillbringanotherday’andI’llhelpyouwiththesumsasfarasinmelies。Don’twastethislovelyhour`twixtlightanddarkworryingoverarithmetic。"
　　"Well，Iwon’t，"saidDavy，brighteningup。"IfyouhelpmewiththesumsI’llhave’emdoneintimetogofishingwithMilty。
　　IwisholdAuntAtossa’sfuneralwastomorrowinsteadoftoday。
　　Iwantedtogotoit’causeMiltysaidhismothersaidAuntAtossawouldbesuretoriseupinhercoffinandsaysarcasticthingstothefolksthatcometoseeherburied。ButMarillasaidshedidn’t。"
　　"PoorAtossalaidinhercoffinpeacefulenough，"saidMrs。Lyndesolemnly。"Ineversawherlooksopleasantbefore，that’swhat。
　　Well，thereweren’tmanytearsshedoverher，pooroldsoul。
　　TheElishaWrightsarethankfultoberidofher，andIcan’tsayIblamethemamite。"
　　"Itseemstomeamostdreadfulthingtogooutoftheworldandnotleaveonepersonbehindyouwhoissorryyouaregone，"saidAnne，shuddering。
　　"NobodyexceptherparentseverlovedpoorAtossa，that’scertain，notevenherhusband，"averredMrs。Lynde。"Shewashisfourthwife。He’dsortofgotintothehabitofmarrying。Heonlylivedafewyearsafterhemarriedher。
　　Thedoctorsaidhediedofdyspepsia，butIshallalwaysmaintainthathediedofAtossa’stongue，that’swhat。Poorsoul，shealwayskneweverythingaboutherneighbors，butsheneverwasverywellacquaintedwithherself。Well，she’sgoneanyhow；andIsupposethenextexcitementwillbeDiana’swedding。"
　　"ItseemsfunnyandhorribletothinkofDiana’sbeingmarried，"
　　sighedAnne，huggingherkneesandlookingthroughthegapintheHauntedWoodtothelightthatwasshininginDiana’sroom。
　　"Idon’tseewhat’shorribleaboutit，whenshe’sdoingsowell，"
　　saidMrs。Lyndeemphatically。"FredWrighthasafinefarmandheisamodelyoungman。"
　　"Hecertainlyisn’tthewild，dashing，wicked，youngmanDianaoncewantedtomarry，"smiledAnne。"Fredisextremelygood。"
　　"That’sjustwhatheoughttobe。WouldyouwantDianatomarryawickedman？Ormarryoneyourself？"
　　"Oh，no。Iwouldn’twanttomarryanybodywhowaswicked，butIthinkI’dlikeitifheCOULDbewickedandWOULDN’T。
　　Now，FredisHOPELESSLYgood。"
　　"You’llhavemoresensesomeday，Ihope，"saidMarilla。
　　Marillaspokeratherbitterly。Shewasgrievouslydisappointed。
　　SheknewAnnehadrefusedGilbertBlythe。Avonleagossipbuzzedoverthefact，whichhadleakedout，nobodyknewhow。PerhapsCharlieSloanehadguessedandtoldhisguessesfortruth。
　　PerhapsDianahadbetrayedittoFredandFredhadbeenindiscreet。
　　Atalleventsitwasknown；Mrs。BlythenolongeraskedAnne，inpublicorprivate，ifshehadheardlatelyfromGilbert，butpassedherbywithafrostybow。Anne，whohadalwayslikedGilbert’smerry，young-heartedmother，wasgrievedinsecretoverthis。
　　Marillasaidnothing；butMrs。LyndegaveAnnemanyexasperateddigsaboutit，untilfreshgossipreachedthatworthylady，throughthemediumofMoodySpurgeonMacPherson’smother，thatAnnehadanother"beau"atcollege，whowasrichandhandsomeandgoodallinone。AfterthatMrs。Rachelheldhertongue，thoughshestillwishedinherinmostheartthatAnnehadacceptedGilbert。Richeswereallverywell；
　　butevenMrs。Rachel，practicalsoulthoughshewas，didnotconsiderthemtheoneessential。IfAnne"liked"theHandsomeUnknownbetterthanGilberttherewasnothingmoretobesaid；
　　butMrs。RachelwasdreadfullyafraidthatAnnewasgoingtomakethemistakeofmarryingformoney。MarillaknewAnnetoowelltofearthis；butshefeltthatsomethingintheuniversalschemeofthingshadgonesadlyawry。
　　"Whatistobe，willbe，"saidMrs。Rachelgloomily，"andwhatisn’ttobehappenssometimes。Ican’thelpbelievingit’sgoingtohappeninAnne’scase，ifProvidencedoesn’tinterfere，that’swhat。"
　　Mrs。Rachelsighed。ShewasafraidProvidencewouldn’tinterfere；
　　andshedidn’tdareto。
　　AnnehadwandereddowntotheDryad’sBubbleandwascurledupamongthefernsattherootofthebigwhitebirchwheresheandGilberthadsooftensatinsummersgoneby。Hehadgoneintothenewspaperofficeagainwhencollegeclosed，andAvonleaseemedverydullwithouthim。Heneverwrotetoher，andAnnemissedthelettersthatnevercame。Tobesure，Roywrotetwiceaweek；hisletterswereexquisitecompositionswhichwouldhavereadbeautifullyinamemoirorbiography。Annefeltherselfmoredeeplyinlovewithhimthaneverwhenshereadthem；butherheartnevergavethequeer，quick，painfulboundatsightofhisletterswhichithadgivenonedaywhenMrs。HiramSloanehadhandedheroutanenvelopeaddressedinGilbert’sblack，uprighthandwriting。Annehadhurriedhometotheeastgableandopenediteagerly——tofindatypewrittencopyofsomecollegesocietyreport——"onlythatandnothingmore。"AnneflungtheharmlessscreedacrossherroomandsatdowntowriteanespeciallyniceepistletoRoy。
　　Dianawastobemarriedinfivemoredays。ThegrayhouseatOrchardSlopewasinaturmoilofbakingandbrewingandboilingandstewing，fortherewastobeabig，old-timeywedding。Anne，ofcourse，wastobebridesmaid，ashadbeenarrangedwhentheyweretwelveyearsold，andGilbertwascomingfromKingsporttobebestman。Annewasenjoyingtheexcitementofthevariouspreparations，butunderitallshecarriedalittleheartache。
　　Shewas，inasense，losingherdearoldchum；Diana’snewhomewouldbetwomilesfromGreenGables，andtheoldconstantcompanionshipcouldneverbetheirsagain。AnnelookedupatDiana’slightandthoughthowithadbeaconedtoherformanyyears；
　　butsoonitwouldshinethroughthesummertwilightsnomore。
　　Twobig，painfultearswelledupinhergrayeyes。
　　"Oh，"shethought，"howhorribleitisthatpeoplehavetogrowup——andmarry——andCHANGE！"
　　ChapterXXIX
　　Diana’sWedding"Afterall，theonlyrealrosesarethepinkones，"saidAnne，asshetiedwhiteribbonaroundDiana’sbouquetinthewestwardlookinggableatOrchardSlope。"Theyaretheflowersofloveandfaith。"
　　Dianawasstandingnervouslyinthemiddleoftheroom，arrayedinherbridalwhite，herblackcurlsfrostedoverwiththefilmofherweddingveil。Annehaddrapedthatveil，inaccordancewiththesentimentalcompactofyearsbefore。
　　"It’sallprettymuchasIusedtoimagineitlongago，whenI
　　weptoveryourinevitablemarriageandourconsequentparting，"
　　shelaughed。"Youarethebrideofmydreams，Diana，withthe`lovelymistyveil’；andIamYOURbridesmaid。But，alas！
　　Ihaven’tthepuffedsleeves——thoughtheseshortlaceonesareevenprettier。NeitherismyheartwhollybreakingnordoI
　　exactlyhateFred。"
　　"Wearenotreallyparting，Anne，"protestedDiana。"I’mnotgoingfaraway。We’llloveeachotherjustasmuchasever。
　　We’vealwayskeptthat`oath’offriendshipwesworelongago，haven’twe？"
　　"Yes。We’vekeptitfaithfully。We’vehadabeautifulfriendship，Diana。We’venevermarreditbyonequarrelorcoolnessorunkindword；andIhopeitwillalwaysbeso。
　　Butthingscan’tbequitethesameafterthis。You’llhaveotherinterests。I’lljustbeontheoutside。But`suchislife’asMrs。Rachelsays。Mrs。Rachelhasgivenyouoneofherbelovedknittedquiltsofthe`tobaccostripe’pattern，andshesayswhenIammarriedshe’llgivemeone，too。"
　　"ThemeanthingaboutyourgettingmarriedisthatIwon’tbeabletobeyourbridesmaid，"lamentedDiana。
　　"I’mtobePhil’sbridesmaidnextJune，whenshemarriesMr。Blake，andthenImuststop，foryouknowtheproverb`threetimesabridesmaid，neverabride，’"saidAnne，peepingthroughthewindowoverthepinkandsnowoftheblossomingorchardbeneath。"Herecomestheminister，Diana。"
　　"Oh，Anne，"gaspedDiana，suddenlyturningverypaleandbeginningtotremble。"Oh，Anne——I’msonervous——Ican’tgothroughwithit——Anne，IknowI’mgoingtofaint。"
　　"IfyoudoI’lldragyoudowntotherainwaterhogshedanddropyouin，"saidAnneunsympathetically。"Cheerup，dearest。
　　Gettingmarriedcan’tbesoveryterriblewhensomanypeoplesurvivetheceremony。SeehowcoolandcomposedIam，andtakecourage。"
　　"Waittillyourturncomes，MissAnne。Oh，Anne，Ihearfathercomingupstairs。Givememybouquet。Ismyveilright？AmI
　　verypale？"
　　"Youlookjustlovely。Di，darling，kissmegood-byeforthelasttime。DianaBarrywillneverkissmeagain。"
　　"DianaWrightwill，though。There，mother’scalling。Come。"
　　Followingthesimple，old-fashionedwayinvoguethen，AnnewentdowntotheparloronGilbert’sarm。TheymetatthetopofthestairsforthefirsttimesincetheyhadleftKingsport，forGilberthadarrivedonlythatday。Gilbertshookhandscourteously。
　　Hewaslookingverywell，though，asAnneinstantlynoted，ratherthin。
　　Hewasnotpale；therewasaflushonhischeekthathadburnedintoitasAnnecamealongthehalltowardshim，inhersoft，whitedresswithlilies-of-the-valleyintheshiningmassesofherhair。Astheyenteredthecrowdedparlortogetheralittlemurmurofadmirationranaroundtheroom。"Whatafine-lookingpairtheyare，"whisperedtheimpressibleMrs。RacheltoMarilla。
　　Fredambledinalone，withaveryredface，andthenDianasweptinonherfather’sarm。Shedidnotfaint，andnothinguntowardoccurredtointerrupttheceremony。Feastingandmerry-makingfollowed；then，astheeveningwaned，FredandDianadroveawaythroughthemoonlighttotheirnewhome，andGilbertwalkedwithAnnetoGreenGables。
　　Somethingoftheiroldcomradeshiphadreturnedduringtheinformalmirthoftheevening。Oh，itwasnicetobewalkingoverthatwell-knownroadwithGilbertagain！
　　Thenightwassoverystillthatoneshouldhavebeenabletohearthewhisperofrosesinblossom——thelaughterofdaisies——thepipingofgrasses——manysweetsounds，alltangleduptogether。
　　Thebeautyofmoonlightonfamiliarfieldsirradiatedtheworld。
　　"Can’twetakearambleupLovers’Lanebeforeyougoin？"askedGilbertastheycrossedthebridgeovertheLakeofShiningWaters，inwhichthemoonlaylikeagreat，drownedblossomofgold。
　　Anneassentedreadily。Lovers’Lanewasaveritablepathinafairylandthatnight——ashimmering，mysteriousplace，fullofwizardryinthewhite-wovenenchantmentofmoonlight。TherehadbeenatimewhensuchawalkwithGilbertthroughLovers’Lanewouldhavebeenfartoodangerous。ButRoyandChristinehadmadeitverysafenow。AnnefoundherselfthinkingagooddealaboutChristineasshechattedlightlytoGilbert。ShehadmetherseveraltimesbeforeleavingKingsport，andhadbeencharminglysweettoher。Christinehadalsobeencharminglysweet。Indeed，theywereamostcordialpair。Butforallthat，theiracquaintancehadnotripenedintofriendship。EvidentlyChristinewasnotakindredspirit。
　　"AreyougoingtobeinAvonleaallsummer？"askedGilbert。
　　"No。I’mgoingdowneasttoValleyRoadnextweek。EstherHaythornewantsmetoteachforherthroughJulyandAugust。
　　Theyhaveasummerterminthatschool，andEstherisn’tfeelingwell。
　　SoI’mgoingtosubstituteforher。InonewayIdon’tmind。
　　Doyouknow，I’mbeginningtofeelalittlebitlikeastrangerinAvonleanow？Itmakesmesorry——butit’strue。It’squiteappallingtoseethenumberofchildrenwhohaveshotupintobigboysandgirls——reallyyoungmenandwomen——thesepasttwoyears。
　　Halfofmypupilsaregrownup。ItmakesmefeelawfullyoldtoseethemintheplacesyouandIandourmatesusedtofill。"
　　Annelaughedandsighed。Shefeltveryoldandmatureandwise——whichshowedhowyoungshewas。Shetoldherselfthatshelongedgreatlytogobacktothosedearmerrydayswhenlifewasseenthrougharosymistofhopeandillusion，andpossessedanindefinablesomethingthathadpassedawayforever。Wherewasitnow——thegloryandthedream？
　　"`Sowagstheworldaway，’"quotedGilbertpractically，andatrifleabsently。AnnewonderedifhewerethinkingofChristine。
　　Oh，Avonleawasgoingtobesolonelynow——withDianagone！
　　ChapterXXX
　　Mrs。Skinner’sRomanceAnnesteppedoffthetrainatValleyRoadstationandlookedabouttoseeifanyonehadcometomeether。ShewastoboardwithacertainMissJanetSweet，butshesawnoonewhoansweredintheleasttoherpreconceptionofthatlady，asformedfromEsther’sletter。Theonlypersoninsightwasanelderlywoman，sittinginawagonwithmailbagspiledaroundher。Twohundredwouldhavebeenacharitableguessatherweight；herfacewasasroundandredasaharvest-moonandalmostasfeatureless。
　　Sheworeatight，black，cashmeredress，madeinthefashionoftenyearsago，alittledustyblackstrawhattrimmedwithbowsofyellowribbon，andfadedblacklacemits。
　　"Here，you，"shecalled，wavingherwhipatAnne。"AreyouthenewValleyRoadschoolma’am？"
　　"Yes。"
　　"Well，Ithoughtso。ValleyRoadisnotedforitsgood-lookingschoolma’ams，justasMillersvilleisnotedforitshumlyones。
　　JanetSweetaskedmethismorningifIcouldbringyouout。I
　　said，`SartinIkin，ifshedon’tmindbeingscrunchedupsome。
　　Thisrigofmine’skindersmallforthemailbagsandI’msomeheftierthanThomas！’Justwait，miss，tillIshiftthesebagsabitandI’lltuckyouinsomehow。It’sonlytwomilestoJanet’s。
　　Hernext-doorneighbor’shiredboyiscomingforyourtrunktonight。
　　MynameisSkinner——AmeliaSkinner。"
　　Annewaseventuallytuckedin，exchangingamusedsmileswithherselfduringtheprocess。
　　"Jogalong，blackmare，"commandedMrs。Skinner，gatheringupthereinsinherpudgyhands。"Thisismyfirsttriponthemailrowte。
　　Thomaswantedtohoehisturnipstodaysoheaskedmetocome。
　　SoIjestsotdownandtookastanding-upsnackandstarted。
　　Isorterlikeit。O’courseit’srathertejus。PartofthetimeIsitsandthinksandtherestIjestsits。Jogalong，blackmare。Iwanttogithomeairly。ThomasisterriblelonesomewhenI’maway。Yousee，wehaven’tbeenmarriedverylong。"
　　"Oh！"saidAnnepolitely。
　　"Justamonth。Thomascourtedmeforquiteaspell，though。Itwasrealromantic。"AnnetriedtopictureMrs。Skinneronspeakingtermswithromanceandfailed。
　　"Oh？"shesaidagain。
　　"Yes。Y’see，therewasanothermanafterme。Jogalong，blackmare。
　　I’dbeenawiddersolongfolkshadgivenupexpectingmetomarryagain。
　　Butwhenmydarter——she’saschoolma’amlikeyou——wentoutWesttoteachIfeltreallonesomeandwasn’tnowisesotagainsttheidea。
　　Bime-byThomasbegantocomeupandsodidtheotherfeller——
　　WilliamObadiahSeaman，hisnamewas。ForalongtimeIcouldn’tmakeupmymindwhichofthemtotake，andtheykep’comingandcoming，andIkep’worrying。Y’see，W。O。wasrich——hehadafineplaceandcarriedconsiderablestyle。Hewasbyfarthebestmatch。Jogalong，blackmare。"
　　"Whydidn’tyoumarryhim？"askedAnne。
　　"Well，y’see，hedidn’tloveme，"answeredMrs。Skinner，solemnly。
　　AnneopenedhereyeswidelyandlookedatMrs。Skinner。Buttherewasnotaglintofhumoronthatlady’sface。EvidentlyMrs。Skinnersawnothingamusinginherowncase。
　　"He’dbeenawidder-manforthreeyers，andhissisterkepthouseforhim。
　　Thenshegotmarriedandhejustwantedsomeonetolookafterhishouse。
　　Itwasworthlookingafter，too，mindyouthat。It’sahandsomehouse。
　　Jogalong，blackmare。AsforThomas，hewaspoor，andifhishousedidn’tleakindryweatheritwasaboutallthatcouldbesaidforit，thoughitlookskindofpictureaskew。But，y’see，IlovedThomas，andIdidn’tcareoneredcentforW。O。SoIargueditoutwithmyself。
　　`SarahCrowe，’sayI——myfirstwasaCrowe——`youcanmarryyourrichmanifyoulikebutyouwon’tbehappy。Folkscan’tgetalongtogetherinthisworldwithoutalittlebitoflove。
　　You’djustbettertieuptoThomas，forhelovesyouandyoulovehimandnothingelseain’tgoingtodoyou。’Jogalong，blackmare。
　　SoItoldThomasI’dtakehim。AllthetimeIwasgettingreadyIneverdareddrivepastW。O。’splaceforfearthesightofthatfinehouseofhiswouldputmeintheswithersagain。ButnowI
　　neverthinkofitatall，andI’mjustthatcomfortableandhappywithThomas。Jogalong，blackmare。"
　　"HowdidWilliamObadiahtakeit？"queriedAnne。
　　"Oh，herumpussedabit。Buthe’sgoingtoseeaskinnyoldmaidinMillersvillenow，andIguessshe’lltakehimfastenough。
　　She’llmakehimabetterwifethanhisfirstdid。W。O。neverwantedtomarryher。Hejustaskedhertomarryhim’causehisfatherwantedhimto，neverdreamingbutthatshe’dsay`no。’
　　Butmindyou，shesaid’yes。’Therewasapredicamentforyou。
　　Jogalong，blackmare。Shewasagreathousekeeper，butmostawfulmean。Sheworethesamebonnetforeighteenyears。ThenshegotanewoneandW。O。metherontheroadanddidn’tknowher。
　　Jogalong，blackmare。IfeelthatI’danarrerescape。Imighthavemarriedhimandbeenmostawfulmiserable，likemypoorcousin，JaneAnn。JaneAnnmarriedarichmanshedidn’tcareanythingabout，andshehasn’tthelifeofadog。Shecometoseemelastweekandsays，saysshe，`SarahSkinner，Ienvyyou。
　　I’dratherliveinalittlehutonthesideoftheroadwithamanIwasfondofthaninmybighousewiththeoneI’vegot。’
　　JaneAnn’smanain’tsuchabadsort，nuther，thoughhe’ssocontrarythathewearshisfurcoatwhenthethermometer’satninety。Theonlywaytogithimtodoanythingistocoaxhimtodotheopposite。Butthereain’tanylovetosmooththingsdownandit’sapoorwayofliving。Jogalong，blackmare。
　　There’sJanet’splaceinthehollow——`Wayside，’shecallsit。
　　Quitepictureaskew，ain’tit？Iguessyou’llbegladtogitoutofthis，withallthemmailbagsjammingroundyou。"
　　"Yes，butIhaveenjoyedmydrivewithyouverymuch，"saidAnnesincerely。
　　"Gitawaynow！"saidMrs。Skinner，highlyflattered。"WaittillItellThomasthat。HealwaysfeelsdretfultickledwhenIgitacompliment。Jogalong，blackmare。Well，hereweare。Ihopeyou’llgitonwellintheschool，miss。There’sashortcuttoitthroughthema’shbackofJanet’s。Ifyoutakethatwaybeawfulkeerful。Ifyouoncegotstuckinthatblackmudyou’dbesuckedrightdownandneverseenorheardtellofagaintillthedayofjudgment，likeAdamPalmer’scow。Jogalong，blackmare。"
　　ChapterXXXI
　　AnnetoPhilippa"AnneShirleytoPhilippaGordon，greeting。
　　"Well-beloved，it’shightimeIwaswritingyou。HereamI，installedoncemoreasacountry`schoolma’am’atValleyRoad，boardingat`Wayside，’thehomeofMissJanetSweet。Janetisadearsoulandverynicelooking；tall，butnotover-tall；stoutish，yetwithacertainrestraintofoutlinesuggestiveofathriftysoulwhoisnotgoingtobeoverlavisheveninthematterofavoirdupois。Shehasaknotofsoft，crimpy，brownhairwithathreadofgrayinit，asunnyfacewithrosycheeks，andbig，kindeyesasblueasforget-me-nots。Moreover，sheisoneofthosedelightful，old-fashionedcookswhodon’tcareabitiftheyruinyourdigestionaslongastheycangiveyoufeastsoffatthings。
　　"Ilikeher；andshelikesme——principally，itseems，becauseshehadasisternamedAnnewhodiedyoung。
　　"`I’mrealgladtoseeyou，’shesaidbriskly，whenIlandedinheryard。
　　`My，youdon’tlookamitelikeIexpected。Iwassureyou’dbedark——
　　mysisterAnnewasdark。Andhereyou’reredheaded！’
　　"ForafewminutesIthoughtIwasn’tgoingtolikeJanetasmuchasIhadexpectedatfirstsight。ThenIremindedmyselfthatI
　　reallymustbemoresensiblethantobeprejudicedagainstanyonesimplybecauseshecalledmyhairred。Probablytheword`auburn’wasnotinJanet’svocabularyatall。
　　"`Wayside’isadearsortoflittlespot。Thehouseissmallandwhite，setdowninadelightfullittlehollowthatdropsawayfromtheroad。Betweenroadandhouseisanorchardandflower-gardenallmixeduptogether。Thefrontdoorwalkisborderedwithquahogclam-shells——`cow-hawks，’Janetcallsthem；
　　thereisVirginiaCreeperovertheporchandmossontheroof。
　　Myroomisaneatlittlespot`offtheparlor’——justbigenoughforthebedandme。OvertheheadofmybedthereisapictureofRobbyBurnsstandingatHighlandMary’sgrave，shadowedbyanenormousweepingwillowtree。Robby’sfaceissolugubriousthatitisnowonderIhavebaddreams。Why，thefirstnightIwashereIdreamedICOULDN’TLAUGH。
　　"Theparloristinyandneat。Itsonewindowissoshadedbyahugewillowthattheroomhasagrotto-likeeffectofemeraldgloom。
　　Therearewonderfultidiesonthechairs，andgaymatsonthefloor，andbooksandcardscarefullyarrangedonaroundtable，andvasesofdriedgrassonthemantel-piece。Betweenthevasesisacheerfuldecorationofpreservedcoffinplates——fiveinall，pertainingrespectivelytoJanet’sfatherandmother，abrother，hersisterAnne，andahiredmanwhodiedhereonce！IfIgosuddenlyinsanesomeofthesedays`knowallmenbythesepresents’thatthosecoffin-plateshavecausedit。
　　"Butit’salldelightfulandIsaidso。Janetlovedmeforit，justasshedetestedpoorEstherbecauseEstherhadsaidsomuchshadewasunhygienicandhadobjectedtosleepingonafeatherbed。
　　Now，Igloryinfeather-beds，andthemoreunhygienicandfeatherytheyarethemoreIglory。Janetsaysitissuchacomforttoseemeeat；shehadbeensoafraidIwouldbelikeMissHaythorne，whowouldn’teatanythingbutfruitandhotwaterforbreakfastandtriedtomakeJanetgiveupfryingthings。Estherisreallyadeargirl，butsheisrathergiventofads。Thetroubleisthatshehasn’tenoughimaginationandHASatendencytoindigestion。
　　"JanettoldmeIcouldhavetheuseoftheparlorwhenanyyoungmencalled！Idon’tthinktherearemanytocall。Ihaven’tseenayoungmaninValleyRoadyet，exceptthenext-doorhiredboy——SamToliver，averytall，lank，tow-hairedyouth。
　　Hecameoveroneeveningrecentlyandsatforanhouronthegardenfence，nearthefrontporchwhereJanetandIweredoingfancy-work。Theonlyremarkshevolunteeredinallthattimewere，`Hevapeppermint，miss！Dewnow-finethingforcarARRH，peppermints，’and，`Powerfulloto’jump-grassesroundhereternight。Yep。’
　　"Butthereisaloveaffairgoingonhere。Itseemstobemyfortunetobemixedup，moreorlessactively，withelderlyloveaffairs。Mr。andMrs。IrvingalwayssaythatIbroughtabouttheirmarriage。Mrs。StephenClarkofCarmodypersistsinbeingmostgratefultomeforasuggestionwhichsomebodyelsewouldprobablyhavemadeifIhadn’t。Idoreallythink，though，thatLudovicSpeedwouldneverhavegotanyfurtheralongthanplacidcourtshipifIhadnothelpedhimandTheodoraDixout。
　　"InthepresentaffairIamonlyapassivespectator。I’vetriedoncetohelpthingsalongandmadeanawfulmessofit。SoI
　　shallnotmeddleagain。I’lltellyouallaboutitwhenwemeet。"
　　ChapterXXXII
　　TeawithMrs。DouglasOnthefirstThursdaynightofAnne’ssojourninValleyRoadJanetaskedhertogotoprayer-meeting。Janetblossomedoutlikearosetoattendthatprayer-meeting。Sheworeapale-blue，pansy-sprinkledmuslindresswithmorerufflesthanonewouldeverhavesupposedeconomicalJanetcouldbeguiltyof，andawhiteleghornhatwithpinkrosesandthreeostrichfeathersonit。
　　Annefeltquiteamazed。Lateron，shefoundoutJanet’smotiveinsoarrayingherself——amotiveasoldasEden。
　　ValleyRoadprayer-meetingsseemedtobeessentiallyfeminine。
　　Therewerethirty-twowomenpresent，twohalf-grownboys，andonesolitaryman，besidetheminister。Annefoundherselfstudyingthisman。Hewasnothandsomeoryoungorgraceful；hehadremarkablylonglegs——solongthathehadtokeepthemcoiledupunderhischairtodisposeofthem——andhewasstoopshouldered。
　　Hishandswerebig，hishairwantedbarbering，andhismoustachewasunkempt。ButAnnethoughtshelikedhisface；itwaskindandhonestandtender；therewassomethingelseinit，too——justwhat，Annefoundithardtodefine。Shefinallyconcludedthatthismanhadsufferedandbeenstrong，andithadbeenmademanifestinhisface。
　　Therewasasortofpatient，humorousenduranceinhisexpressionwhichindicatedthathewouldgotothestakeifneedbe，butwouldkeeponlookingpleasantuntilhereallyhadtobeginsquirming。
　　Whenprayer-meetingwasoverthismancameuptoJanetandsaid，"MayIseeyouhome，Janet？"
　　Janettookhisarm——"asprimlyandshylyasifshewerenomorethansixteen，havingherfirstescorthome，"AnnetoldthegirlsatPatty’sPlacelateron。
　　"MissShirley，permitmetointroduceMr。Douglas，"shesaidstiffly。
　　Mr。Douglasnoddedandsaid，"Iwaslookingatyouinprayer-meeting，miss，andthinkingwhatanicelittlegirlyouwere。"
　　Suchaspeechfromninety-ninepeopleoutofahundredwouldhaveannoyedAnnebitterly；butthewayinwhichMr。Douglassaiditmadeherfeelthatshehadreceivedaveryrealandpleasingcompliment。
　　Shesmiledappreciativelyathimanddroppedobliginglybehindonthemoonlitroad。
　　SoJanethadabeau！Annewasdelighted。Janetwouldmakeaparagonofawife——cheery，economical，tolerant，andaveryqueenofcooks。
　　ItwouldbeaflagrantwasteonNature’sparttokeepherapermanentoldmaid。
　　"JohnDouglasaskedmetotakeyouuptoseehismother，"saidJanetthenextday。"She’sbed-ridalotofthetimeandnevergoesoutofthehouse。Butshe’spowerfulfondofcompanyandalwayswantstoseemyboarders。Canyougoupthisevening？"
　　Anneassented；butlaterinthedayMr。Douglascalledonhismother’sbehalftoinvitethemuptoteaonSaturdayevening。
　　"Oh，whydidn’tyouputonyourprettypansydress？"askedAnne，whentheylefthome。Itwasahotday，andpoorJanet，betweenherexcitementandherheavyblackcashmeredress，lookedasifshewerebeingbroiledalive。
　　"OldMrs。Douglaswouldthinkitterriblefrivolousandunsuitable，I’mafraid。Johnlikesthatdress，though，"sheaddedwistfully。
　　TheoldDouglashomesteadwashalfamilefrom"Wayside"crestingawindyhill。Thehouseitselfwaslargeandcomfortable，oldenoughtobedignified，andgirdledwithmaplegrovesandorchards。
　　Therewerebig，trimbarnsbehindit，andeverythingbespokeprosperity。
　　WhateverthepatientenduranceinMr。Douglas’facehadmeantithadn’t，soAnnereflected，meantdebtsandduns。
　　JohnDouglasmetthematthedoorandtookthemintothesitting-room，wherehismotherwasenthronedinanarmchair。
　　AnnehadexpectedoldMrs。Douglastobetallandthin，becauseMr。Douglaswas。Instead，shewasatinyscrapofawoman，withsoftpinkcheeks，mildblueeyes，andamouthlikeababy’s。
　　Dressedinabeautiful，fashionably-madeblacksilkdress，withafluffywhiteshawloverhershoulders，andhersnowyhairsurmountedbyadaintylacecap，shemighthaveposedasagrandmotherdoll。
　　"Howdoyoudo，Janetdear？"shesaidsweetly。"Iamsogladtoseeyouagain，dear。"Sheputupherprettyoldfacetobekissed。
　　"Andthisisournewteacher。I’mdelightedtomeetyou。MysonhasbeensingingyourpraisesuntilI’mhalfjealous，andI’msureJanetoughttobewhollyso。"
　　PoorJanetblushed，Annesaidsomethingpoliteandconventional，andtheneverybodysatdownandmadetalk。Itwashardwork，evenforAnne，fornobodyseemedateaseexceptoldMrs。Douglas，whocertainlydidnotfindanydifficultyintalking。ShemadeJanetsitbyherandstrokedherhandoccasionally。Janetsatandsmiled，lookinghorriblyuncomfortableinherhideousdress，andJohnDouglassatwithoutsmiling。
　　AttheteatableMrs。DouglasgracefullyaskedJanettopourthetea。Janetturnedredderthaneverbutdidit。AnnewroteadescriptionofthatmealtoStella。
　　"Wehadcoldtongueandchickenandstrawberrypreserves，lemonpieandtartsandchocolatecakeandraisincookiesandpoundcakeandfruitcake——andafewotherthings，includingmorepie——caramelpie，Ithinkitwas。AfterIhadeatentwiceasmuchaswasgoodforme，Mrs。Douglassighedandsaidshefearedshehadnothingtotemptmyappetite。
　　"`I’mafraiddearJanet’scookinghasspoiledyouforanyother，’
　　shesaidsweetly。`OfcoursenobodyinValleyRoadaspirestorivalHER。WON’Tyouhaveanotherpieceofpie，MissShirley？
　　Youhaven’teatenANYTHING。’
　　"Stella，Ihadeatenahelpingoftongueandoneofchicken，threebiscuits，agenerousallowanceofpreserves，apieceofpie，atart，andasquareofchocolatecake！"
　　AfterteaMrs。DouglassmiledbenevolentlyandtoldJohntotake"dearJanet"outintothegardenandgethersomeroses。
　　"MissShirleywillkeepmecompanywhileyouareout——
　　won’tyou？"shesaidplaintively。Shesettleddowninherarmchairwithasigh。
　　"Iamaveryfrailoldwoman，MissShirley。ForovertwentyyearsI’vebeenagreatsufferer。Fortwentylong，wearyyearsI’vebeendyingbyinches。"
　　"Howpainful！"saidAnne，tryingtobesympatheticandsucceedingonlyinfeelingidiotic。
　　"Therehavebeenscoresofnightswhenthey’vethoughtIcouldneverlivetoseethedawn，"wentonMrs。Douglassolemnly。
　　"NobodyknowswhatI’vegonethrough——nobodycanknowbutmyself。Well，itcan’tlastverymuchlongernow。Mywearypilgrimagewillsoonbeover，MissShirley。ItisagreatcomforttomethatJohnwillhavesuchagoodwifetolookafterhimwhenhismotherisgone——agreatcomfort，MissShirley。"
　　"Janetisalovelywoman，"saidAnnewarmly。
　　"Lovely！Abeautifulcharacter，"assentedMrs。Douglas。"Andaperfecthousekeeper——somethingIneverwas。Myhealthwouldnotpermitit，MissShirley。IamindeedthankfulthatJohnhasmadesuchawisechoice。Ihopeandbelievethathewillbehappy。
　　Heismyonlyson，MissShirley，andhishappinessliesverynearmyheart。"
　　"Ofcourse，"saidAnnestupidly。Forthefirsttimeinherlifeshewasstupid。Yetshecouldnotimaginewhy。Sheseemedtohaveabsolutelynothingtosaytothissweet，smiling，angelicoldladywhowaspattingherhandsokindly。
　　"Comeandseemesoonagain，dearJanet，"saidMrs。Douglaslovingly，whentheyleft。"Youdon’tcomehalfoftenenough。
　　ButthenIsupposeJohnwillbebringingyouheretostayallthetimeoneofthesedays。"Anne，happeningtoglanceatJohnDouglas，ashismotherspoke，gaveapositivestartofdismay。
　　Helookedasatorturedmanmightlookwhenhistormentorsgavetherackthelastturnofpossibleendurance。ShefeltsurehemustbeillandhurriedpoorblushingJanetaway。
　　"Isn’toldMrs。Douglasasweetwoman？"askedJanet，astheywentdowntheroad。
　　"M——m，"answeredAnneabsently。ShewaswonderingwhyJohnDouglashadlookedso。
　　"She’sbeenaterriblesufferer，"saidJanetfeelingly。
　　"Shetakesterriblespells。ItkeepsJohnallworriedup。
　　He’sscaredtoleavehomeforfearhismotherwilltakeaspellandnobodytherebutthehiredgirl。"
　　ChapterXXXIII
　　"HeJustKeptComingandComing"
　　ThreedayslaterAnnecamehomefromschoolandfoundJanetcrying。
　　TearsandJanetseemedsoincongruousthatAnnewashonestlyalarmed。
　　"Oh，whatisthematter？"shecriedanxiously。
　　"I’m——I’mfortytoday，"sobbedJanet。
　　"Well，youwerenearlythatyesterdayanditdidn’thurt，"
　　comfortedAnne，tryingnottosmile。
　　"But——but，"wentonJanetwithabiggulp，"JohnDouglaswon’taskmetomarryhim。"
　　"Oh，buthewill，"saidAnnelamely。"Youmustgivehimtime，Janet"Time！"saidJanetwithindescribablescorn。"Hehashadtwentyyears。
　　Howmuchtimedoeshewant？"
　　"DoyoumeanthatJohnDouglashasbeencomingtoseeyoufortwentyyears？"
　　"Hehas。Andhehasneversomuchasmentionedmarriagetome。
　　AndIdon’tbelieveheeverwillnow。I’veneversaidawordtoamortalaboutit，butitseemstomeI’vejustgottotalkitoutwithsomeoneatlastorgocrazy。JohnDouglasbeguntogowithmetwentyyearsago，beforemotherdied。Well，hekeptcomingandcoming，andafteraspellIbegunmakingquiltsandthings；butheneversaidanythingaboutgettingmarried，onlyjustkeptcomingandcoming。Therewasn’tanythingIcoulddo。
　　Motherdiedwhenwe’dbeengoingtogetherforeightyears。
　　Ithoughthemaybewouldspeakoutthen，seeingasIwasleftaloneintheworld。Hewasrealkindandfeeling，anddideverythinghecouldforme，butheneversaidmarry。Andthat’sthewayithasbeengoingoneversince。PeopleblameMEforit。
　　TheysayIwon’tmarryhimbecausehismotherissosicklyandI
　　don’twantthebotherofwaitingonher。Why，I’dLOVEtowaitonJohn’smother！ButIletthemthinkso。I’dratherthey’dblamemethanpityme！It’ssodreadfulhumiliatingthatJohnwon’taskme。AndWHYwon’the？SeemstomeifIonlyknewhisreasonIwouldn’tminditsomuch。"
　　"Perhapshismotherdoesn’twanthimtomarryanybody，"suggestedAnne。
　　"Oh，shedoes。She’stoldmetimeandagainthatshe’dlovetoseeJohnsettledbeforehertimecomes。She’salwaysgivinghimhints——
　　youheardheryourselftheotherday。IthoughtI’dha’gonethroughthefloor。"
　　"It’sbeyondme，"saidAnnehelplessly。ShethoughtofLudovicSpeed。
　　Butthecaseswerenotparallel。JohnDouglaswasnotamanofLudovic’stype。
　　"Youshouldshowmorespirit，Janet，"shewentonresolutely。
　　"Whydidn’tyousendhimabouthisbusinesslongago？"
　　"Icouldn’t，"saidpoorJanetpathetically。"Yousee，Anne，I’vealwaysbeenawfulfondofJohn。Hemightjustaswellkeepcomingasnot，fortherewasneveranybodyelseI’dwant，soitdidn’tmatter。"
　　"Butitmighthavemadehimspeakoutlikeaman，"urgedAnne。
　　Janetshookherhead。
　　"No，Iguessnot。Iwasafraidtotry，anyway，forfearhe’dthinkImeantitandjustgo。IsupposeI’mapoor-spiritedcreature，butthatishowIfeel。AndIcan’thelpit。"
　　"Oh，youCOULDhelpit，Janet。Itisn’ttoolateyet。Takeafirmstand。Letthatmanknowyouarenotgoingtoendurehisshillyshallyinganylonger。I’LLbackyouup。"
　　"Idunno，"saidJanethopelessly。"IdunnoifIcouldevergetupenoughspunk。Thingshavedriftedsolong。ButI’llthinkitover。"
　　AnnefeltthatshewasdisappointedinJohnDouglas。Shehadlikedhimsowell，andshehadnotthoughthimthesortofmanwhowouldplayfastandloosewithawoman’sfeelingsfortwentyyears。
　　Hecertainlyshouldbetaughtalesson，andAnnefeltvindictivelythatshewouldenjoyseeingtheprocess。ThereforeshewasdelightedwhenJanettoldher，astheyweregoingtoprayer-meetingthenextnight，thatshemeanttoshowsome"sperrit。"
　　"I’llletJohnDouglasseeI’mnotgoingtobetroddenonanylonger。"
　　"Youareperfectlyright，"saidAnneemphatically。
　　Whenprayer-meetingwasoverJohnDouglascameupwithhisusualrequest。
　　Janetlookedfrightenedbutresolute。
　　"No，thankyou，"shesaidicily。"Iknowtheroadhomeprettywellalone。
　　Ioughtto，seeingI’vebeentravelingitforfortyyears。Soyouneedn’ttroubleyourself，MR。Douglas。"
　　AnnewaslookingatJohnDouglas；and，inthatbrilliantmoonlight，shesawthelasttwistoftherackagain。Withoutawordheturnedandstrodedowntheroad。
　　"Stop！Stop！"Annecalledwildlyafterhim，notcaringintheleastfortheotherdumbfoundedonlookers。"Mr。Douglas，stop！Comeback。"
　　JohnDouglasstoppedbuthedidnotcomeback。Anneflewdowntheroad，caughthisarmandfairlydraggedhimbacktoJanet。
　　"Youmustcomeback，"shesaidimploringly。"It’sallamistake，Mr。Douglas——allmyfault。ImadeJanetdoit。Shedidn’twantto——butit’sallrightnow，isn’tit，Janet？"
　　WithoutawordJanettookhisarmandwalkedaway。Annefollowedthemmeeklyhomeandslippedinbythebackdoor。
　　"Well，youareanicepersontobackmeup，"saidJanetsarcastically。
　　"Icouldn’thelpit，Janet，"saidAnnerepentantly。"IjustfeltasifIhadstoodbyandseenmurderdone。IHADtorunafterhim。"
　　"Oh，I’mjustasgladyoudid。WhenIsawJohnDouglasmakingoffdownthatroadIjustfeltasifeverylittlebitofjoyandhappinessthatwasleftinmylifewasgoingwithhim。Itwasanawfulfeeling。"
　　"Didheaskyouwhyyoudidit？"askedAnne。
　　"No，heneversaidawordaboutit，"repliedJanetdully。