Knownstep Stories Support Sign in

Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables

A picture-story retelling, after L. M. Montgomery (1908)

A gentle coming-of-age story with comic mishaps and a few sad turns. Keep the humour kind, the rural life vivid, and emotional moments sincere.

The text of our illustrated edition, page by page. Read it with narration.

Mrs. Rachel Lynde of Avonlea missed nothing that passed her window. So one June afternoon she was astonished to see shy Matthew Cuthbert driving up the hill in his best suit and white collar, with the buggy and the sorrel mare, when he ought to have been sowing turnips. She resolved to find out why before nightfall. — 1Mrs. Rachel Lynde of Avonlea missed nothing that passed her window. So one June afternoon she was astonished to see shy Matthew Cuthbert driving up the hill in his best suit and white collar, with the buggy and the sorrel mare, when he ought to have been sowing turnips. She resolved to find out why before nightfall.

After tea she hurried up the lane to Green Gables, where Marilla calmly explained that Matthew had gone to Bright River. "We're getting a little boy from an orphan asylum in Nova Scotia," she said. Rachel warned darkly of orphans who set houses on fire, but Marilla went on knitting. — 2After tea she hurried up the lane to Green Gables, where Marilla calmly explained that Matthew had gone to Bright River. "We're getting a little boy from an orphan asylum in Nova Scotia," she said. Rachel warned darkly of orphans who set houses on fire, but Marilla went on knitting.

Eight miles away, the train had come and gone. At the far end of the empty platform, on a pile of shingles, sat a thin, freckled girl with two red braids and a shabby carpet-bag, waiting with all her might for someone to come for her. — 3Eight miles away, the train had come and gone. At the far end of the empty platform, on a pile of shingles, sat a thin, freckled girl with two red braids and a shabby carpet-bag, waiting with all her might for someone to come for her.

Matthew had come for a boy, but he could not tell this glowing-eyed child there had been a mistake, so he took her home and left the explaining to Marilla. Along the red roads she chattered about cherry blossoms, bridal veils and her lifelong sorrow of red hair. To his surprise, Matthew found he liked it. — 4Matthew had come for a boy, but he could not tell this glowing-eyed child there had been a mistake, so he took her home and left the explaining to Marilla. Along the red roads she chattered about cherry blossoms, bridal veils and her lifelong sorrow of red hair. To his surprise, Matthew found he liked it.

Then they rounded a curve into the Avenue, a long arch of apple trees in full bloom, and for once Anne could not say a word. Miles later she whispered that it should be called the White Way of Delight. — 5Then they rounded a curve into the Avenue, a long arch of apple trees in full bloom, and for once Anne could not say a word. Miles later she whispered that it should be called the White Way of Delight.

From the crest of a hill they saw a long, winding pond glowing with sunset colours. "That's Barry's pond," said Matthew. Anne renamed it the Lake of Shining Waters, and as they rumbled over the bridge she bade it a solemn good night. — 6From the crest of a hill they saw a long, winding pond glowing with sunset colours. "That's Barry's pond," said Matthew. Anne renamed it the Lake of Shining Waters, and as they rumbled over the bridge she bade it a solemn good night.

Before Matthew could point it out, Anne shut her eyes and then guessed which farm was Green Gables: a white house far back from the road, glimmering among blossoming trees under a great evening star. "Just as soon as I saw it I felt it was home," she said. — 7Before Matthew could point it out, Anne shut her eyes and then guessed which farm was Green Gables: a white house far back from the road, glimmering among blossoming trees under a great evening star. "Just as soon as I saw it I felt it was home," she said.

Marilla came briskly to the door and stopped short at the sight of the odd little figure in the ugly dress. "Matthew Cuthbert, who's that? Where is the boy?" Matthew could only say wretchedly that there had been no boy, only her. — 8Marilla came briskly to the door and stopped short at the sight of the odd little figure in the ugly dress. "Matthew Cuthbert, who's that? Where is the boy?" Matthew could only say wretchedly that there had been no boy, only her.

Suddenly Anne understood. She dropped her carpet-bag and burst into tears at the table. "You don't want me because I'm not a boy! Nobody ever did want me." Marilla and Matthew looked helplessly at each other, and Marilla promised she would not be turned out that night. — 9Suddenly Anne understood. She dropped her carpet-bag and burst into tears at the table. "You don't want me because I'm not a boy! Nobody ever did want me." Marilla and Matthew looked helplessly at each other, and Marilla promised she would not be turned out that night.

Asked her name, Anne begged to be called Cordelia, then admitted it was Anne Shirley, which was all right as long as it was spelled with an E. At supper she could only nibble at the bread and preserves. "I'm in the depths of despair," she sighed. — 10Asked her name, Anne begged to be called Cordelia, then admitted it was Anne Shirley, which was all right as long as it was spelled with an E. At supper she could only nibble at the bread and preserves. "I'm in the depths of despair," she sighed.

When Anne was in bed, Marilla declared the girl must go straight back to the asylum. What good would she be to them? Matthew, pipe in hand, surprised her. "We might be some good to her," he said. Marilla was sure the child had bewitched him, and refused to keep her. — 11When Anne was in bed, Marilla declared the girl must go straight back to the asylum. What good would she be to them? Matthew, pipe in hand, surprised her. "We might be some good to her," he said. Marilla was sure the child had bewitched him, and refused to keep her.

Upstairs in the bare east gable, with its whitewashed walls and stiff muslin curtain, Anne had burrowed under the covers and told Marilla it was the very worst night she had ever had. There, lonely and friendless, she cried herself to sleep. — 12Upstairs in the bare east gable, with its whitewashed walls and stiff muslin curtain, Anne had burrowed under the covers and told Marilla it was the very worst night she had ever had. There, lonely and friendless, she cried herself to sleep.

Anne woke to sunshine and a cherry tree in full white bloom tapping at her window. She knelt at the open sash, gazing at orchards, the brook and a blue glimpse of sea. For the length of a morning she let herself imagine she would stay, and she named the tree the Snow Queen because it was so white. — 13Anne woke to sunshine and a cherry tree in full white bloom tapping at her window. She knelt at the open sash, gazing at orchards, the brook and a blue glimpse of sea. For the length of a morning she let herself imagine she would stay, and she named the tree the Snow Queen because it was so white.

After breakfast Marilla told her she might play outdoors, but Anne stopped on the threshold and came back to sit at the table. "If I can't stay here there is no use in my loving Green Gables," she said. She would not go out, for fear she would love it all too much. — 14After breakfast Marilla told her she might play outdoors, but Anne stopped on the threshold and came back to sit at the table. "If I can't stay here there is no use in my loving Green Gables," she said. She would not go out, for fear she would love it all too much.

That afternoon Marilla set out to drive Anne to Mrs. Spencer's and settle things. As the buggy passed through the gate, Matthew remarked, to nobody in particular, that he had hired little Jerry Buote for the summer. Marilla whipped the fat sorrel mare so hard that it shot down the lane. — 15That afternoon Marilla set out to drive Anne to Mrs. Spencer's and settle things. As the buggy passed through the gate, Matthew remarked, to nobody in particular, that he had hired little Jerry Buote for the summer. Marilla whipped the fat sorrel mare so hard that it shot down the lane.

They drove the five miles by the shore road above red cliffs and the shimmering sea. Marilla asked for "bald facts", and Anne told her short, sad life: her parents had died of fever when she was a baby, and she had looked after other people's children until the asylum took her in. Of those foster families she said only, "They meant to be good to me." Marilla began to pity her. — 16They drove the five miles by the shore road above red cliffs and the shimmering sea. Marilla asked for "bald facts", and Anne told her short, sad life: her parents had died of fever when she was a baby, and she had looked after other people's children until the asylum took her in. Of those foster families she said only, "They meant to be good to me." Marilla began to pity her.

At White Sands, Mrs. Spencer explained the mix-up: the message had been passed by word of mouth and had changed from a boy into a girl. But Mrs. Peter Blewett wanted a girl to help with her large family. Sharp-faced Mrs. Blewett looked Anne over from head to foot. "I'll expect you to earn your keep," she said. — 17At White Sands, Mrs. Spencer explained the mix-up: the message had been passed by word of mouth and had changed from a boy into a girl. But Mrs. Peter Blewett wanted a girl to help with her large family. Sharp-faced Mrs. Blewett looked Anne over from head to foot. "I'll expect you to earn your keep," she said.

Marilla saw the misery in the child's pale face and could not hand her over to such a woman. She said that Matthew wanted to keep Anne, and that she must talk it over with him first. As Marilla spoke, hope dawned on Anne's face like a sunrise. Her eyes grew bright as morning stars. — 18Marilla saw the misery in the child's pale face and could not hand her over to such a woman. She said that Matthew wanted to keep Anne, and that she must talk it over with him first. As Marilla spoke, hope dawned on Anne's face like a sunrise. Her eyes grew bright as morning stars.

Back home, Marilla waited until she and Matthew were milking behind the barn. Then she told him Anne's story. "I wouldn't give a dog I liked to that Blewett woman," said Matthew. Marilla admitted she had got used to the idea. "So far as I'm concerned, Matthew, she may stay." Matthew's shy face glowed with delight. — 19Back home, Marilla waited until she and Matthew were milking behind the barn. Then she told him Anne's story. "I wouldn't give a dog I liked to that Blewett woman," said Matthew. Marilla admitted she had got used to the idea. "So far as I'm concerned, Matthew, she may stay." Matthew's shy face glowed with delight.

That night Marilla found that Anne had never said a prayer, and told her to thank God for her blessings. Anne buried her face in Marilla's lap and gave thanks for the Lake of Shining Waters, Bonny the geranium and the Snow Queen. She asked to stay at Green Gables and to grow up good-looking, and finished: "Yours respectfully, Anne Shirley." — 20That night Marilla found that Anne had never said a prayer, and told her to thank God for her blessings. Anne buried her face in Marilla's lap and gave thanks for the Lake of Shining Waters, Bonny the geranium and the Snow Queen. She asked to stay at Green Gables and to grow up good-looking, and finished: "Yours respectfully, Anne Shirley."

Marilla kept her secret until the next afternoon. At last Anne, trembling, begged to be told whether she would be sent away. "Matthew and I have decided to keep you," said Marilla. Anne burst into tears. "I'm glad as glad can be," she said in bewilderment. "But can you tell me why I'm crying?" — 21Marilla kept her secret until the next afternoon. At last Anne, trembling, begged to be told whether she would be sent away. "Matthew and I have decided to keep you," said Marilla. Anne burst into tears. "I'm glad as glad can be," she said in bewilderment. "But can you tell me why I'm crying?"

Marilla set her to learn the Lord's Prayer, but Anne soon asked whether she would ever have a bosom friend. Anne said she had once pretended her reflection in a glass bookcase door was a girl named Katie Maurice. "Katie was the comfort and consolation of my life." Marilla sniffed that a real, live friend would put such nonsense out of her head. — 22Marilla set her to learn the Lord's Prayer, but Anne soon asked whether she would ever have a bosom friend. Anne said she had once pretended her reflection in a glass bookcase door was a girl named Katie Maurice. "Katie was the comfort and consolation of my life." Marilla sniffed that a real, live friend would put such nonsense out of her head.

Sent up to her room, Anne imagined herself as the tall, regal Lady Cordelia Fitzgerald, but she could not make it seem real. She peered into the little looking-glass at her pointed, freckled face. "It's a million times nicer to be Anne of Green Gables than Anne of nowhere in particular," she said, and kissed her reflection. — 23Sent up to her room, Anne imagined herself as the tall, regal Lady Cordelia Fitzgerald, but she could not make it seem real. She peered into the little looking-glass at her pointed, freckled face. "It's a million times nicer to be Anne of Green Gables than Anne of nowhere in particular," she said, and kissed her reflection.

For two weeks Anne explored every corner of Green Gables in her playtime: the lane below the orchard, the icy spring in the hollow, the log bridge and the fir wood beyond. She talked Matthew and Marilla half-deaf about it all. Then Mrs. Rachel Lynde, finally over a bad case of grippe, hurried up the lane to inspect the orphan. — 24For two weeks Anne explored every corner of Green Gables in her playtime: the lane below the orchard, the icy spring in the hollow, the log bridge and the fir wood beyond. She talked Matthew and Marilla half-deaf about it all. Then Mrs. Rachel Lynde, finally over a bad case of grippe, hurried up the lane to inspect the orphan.

Anne ran in from the orchard, windblown and freckled, and stopped shyly at the door. Mrs. Rachel looked her up and down. "She's terrible skinny and homely, Marilla," she declared. "Did anyone ever see such freckles? And hair as red as carrots!" — 25Anne ran in from the orchard, windblown and freckled, and stopped shyly at the door. Mrs. Rachel looked her up and down. "She's terrible skinny and homely, Marilla," she declared. "Did anyone ever see such freckles? And hair as red as carrots!"

In one bound Anne crossed the kitchen, scarlet with fury. "I hate you — I hate you — I hate you!" she cried, stamping her foot harder each time. She called Mrs. Rachel rude and unfeeling, and swore she would never forgive her. Then she burst into tears and fled upstairs, slamming every door behind her. — 26In one bound Anne crossed the kitchen, scarlet with fury. "I hate you — I hate you — I hate you!" she cried, stamping her foot harder each time. She called Mrs. Rachel rude and unfeeling, and swore she would never forgive her. Then she burst into tears and fled upstairs, slamming every door behind her.

Marilla opened her mouth to apologise, but what came out surprised her. "You shouldn't have twitted her about her looks, Rachel." She did not excuse Anne's temper, but said the child had never been taught right. Mrs. Rachel advised a birch switch, then swept out in offended dignity. — 27Marilla opened her mouth to apologise, but what came out surprised her. "You shouldn't have twitted her about her looks, Rachel." She did not excuse Anne's temper, but said the child had never been taught right. Mrs. Rachel advised a birch switch, then swept out in offended dignity.

Upstairs, Anne lay sobbing on her bed. "Just imagine how you would feel if somebody told you to your face that you were skinny and ugly," she pleaded. Marilla suddenly remembered an aunt calling her a dark, homely little thing, and she softened. Still, Anne must apologise to Mrs. Lynde, and until she agreed she would stay in the east gable. — 28Upstairs, Anne lay sobbing on her bed. "Just imagine how you would feel if somebody told you to your face that you were skinny and ugly," she pleaded. Marilla suddenly remembered an aunt calling her a dark, homely little thing, and she softened. Still, Anne must apologise to Mrs. Lynde, and until she agreed she would stay in the east gable.

All the next day Anne refused, and her meal trays came down nearly full. That evening, while Marilla fetched the cows, Matthew crept upstairs like a burglar for the first time in four years. "Just smooth it over, so to speak," he whispered. To please him, Anne agreed — as long as Marilla never knew he'd asked. — 29All the next day Anne refused, and her meal trays came down nearly full. That evening, while Marilla fetched the cows, Matthew crept upstairs like a burglar for the first time in four years. "Just smooth it over, so to speak," he whispered. To please him, Anne agreed — as long as Marilla never knew he'd asked.

On the walk down, Anne went from gloomy to glowing as she imagined her speech. At Mrs. Lynde's she dropped to her knees. "Oh, Mrs. Lynde, I am so extremely sorry," she began, and poured out a heartfelt, dramatic apology. Marilla saw that Anne was enjoying it. Mrs. Rachel forgave her warmly and said red hair sometimes darkened to auburn. — 30On the walk down, Anne went from gloomy to glowing as she imagined her speech. At Mrs. Lynde's she dropped to her knees. "Oh, Mrs. Lynde, I am so extremely sorry," she began, and poured out a heartfelt, dramatic apology. Marilla saw that Anne was enjoying it. Mrs. Rachel forgave her warmly and said red hair sometimes darkened to auburn.

They walked home under bright stars, Anne chattering until Marilla told her to hold her tongue. As the Green Gables kitchen light shone through the trees, Anne slipped her hand into Marilla's. "It's lovely to be going home and know it's home," she said. Something warm and unfamiliar rose in Marilla's heart. — 31They walked home under bright stars, Anne chattering until Marilla told her to hold her tongue. As the Green Gables kitchen light shone through the trees, Anne slipped her hand into Marilla's. "It's lovely to be going home and know it's home," she said. Something warm and unfamiliar rose in Marilla's heart.

Marilla had sewn Anne three new dresses, all plain, all tight-sleeved and all thoroughly sensible. Anne admitted they were not pretty and begged for just one with puffed sleeves. "I'd rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself," she said mournfully, but Marilla had no material to waste on such nonsense. — 32Marilla had sewn Anne three new dresses, all plain, all tight-sleeved and all thoroughly sensible. Anne admitted they were not pretty and begged for just one with puffed sleeves. "I'd rather look ridiculous when everybody else does than plain and sensible all by myself," she said mournfully, but Marilla had no material to waste on such nonsense.

Walking alone to Sunday-school, Anne found buttercups and wild roses along the lane and wreathed her plain sailor hat with them. The Avonlea girls stared and whispered. All of them had puffed sleeves, and through Mr. Bell's long prayer and the long sermon Anne gazed out of the window at the Lake of Shining Waters and imagined splendid things. — 33Walking alone to Sunday-school, Anne found buttercups and wild roses along the lane and wreathed her plain sailor hat with them. The Avonlea girls stared and whispered. All of them had puffed sleeves, and through Mr. Bell's long prayer and the long sermon Anne gazed out of the window at the Lake of Shining Waters and imagined splendid things.

When Mrs. Lynde told Marilla about the flowered hat, Anne got a scolding and cried, but then came news: Diana Barry was home. Trembling, Anne went with Marilla to Orchard Slope. Mrs. Barry sent the girls into the garden, and there they stood shyly over the tiger lilies. "Oh, Diana, do you think you can like me a little—enough to be my bosom friend?" — 34When Mrs. Lynde told Marilla about the flowered hat, Anne got a scolding and cried, but then came news: Diana Barry was home. Trembling, Anne went with Marilla to Orchard Slope. Mrs. Barry sent the girls into the garden, and there they stood shyly over the tiger lilies. "Oh, Diana, do you think you can like me a little—enough to be my bosom friend?"

Diana thought swearing was wicked until Anne explained it only meant promising solemnly. They joined hands over the path and imagined it was running water. "I solemnly swear to be faithful to my bosom friend, Diana Barry, as long as the sun and moon shall endure," Anne vowed. Diana repeated it, laughing before and after. — 35Diana thought swearing was wicked until Anne explained it only meant promising solemnly. They joined hands over the path and imagined it was running water. "I solemnly swear to be faithful to my bosom friend, Diana Barry, as long as the sun and moon shall endure," Anne vowed. Diana repeated it, laughing before and after.

Anne came home the happiest girl on Prince Edward Island, and Matthew made her happiness overflow. He shyly pulled a small parcel of chocolate sweeties from his pocket. Marilla sniffed that they would ruin her teeth, but Anne decided at once to give half to Diana. "The other half will taste twice as sweet to me if I give some to her." — 36Anne came home the happiest girl on Prince Edward Island, and Matthew made her happiness overflow. He shyly pulled a small parcel of chocolate sweeties from his pocket. Marilla sniffed that they would ruin her teeth, but Anne decided at once to give half to Diana. "The other half will taste twice as sweet to me if I give some to her."

All summer Anne and Diana played at Idlewild, their playhouse in a ring of birches, furnished with mossy stones and broken china. One August afternoon Anne raced home late with great news: there would be a Sunday-school picnic by the Lake of Shining Waters, and there would be ice cream, which she had never tasted. — 37All summer Anne and Diana played at Idlewild, their playhouse in a ring of birches, furnished with mossy stones and broken china. One August afternoon Anne raced home late with great news: there would be a Sunday-school picnic by the Lake of Shining Waters, and there would be ice cream, which she had never tasted.

Marilla said Anne could go, but Anne was worried she would have no basket of food. "Well, it needn't prey any longer. I'll bake you a basket." Anne threw herself into Marilla's arms and kissed her cheek. No child had ever done that before, and Marilla felt a startling sweetness, though she only said brusquely, "Never mind your kissing nonsense." — 38Marilla said Anne could go, but Anne was worried she would have no basket of food. "Well, it needn't prey any longer. I'll bake you a basket." Anne threw herself into Marilla's arms and kissed her cheek. No child had ever done that before, and Marilla felt a startling sweetness, though she only said brusquely, "Never mind your kissing nonsense."

Marilla always wore her treasured amethyst brooch to church, and Anne adored it. On the Monday before the picnic the brooch was missing. Anne admitted she had tried it on but said she had put it back. Marilla searched everywhere, decided Anne was lying, and sent her to her room until she confessed. — 39Marilla always wore her treasured amethyst brooch to church, and Anne adored it. On the Monday before the picnic the brooch was missing. Anne admitted she had tried it on but said she had put it back. Marilla searched everywhere, decided Anne was lying, and sent her to her room until she confessed.

On picnic morning Anne sat pale on her bed and recited a confession she had made up: she had taken the brooch to Idlewild and dropped it, "all purply-sparkling," into the Lake of Shining Waters. Marilla was furious and forbade the picnic anyway. Anne flung herself on the bed in despair while Marilla scrubbed floors that did not need scrubbing. — 40On picnic morning Anne sat pale on her bed and recited a confession she had made up: she had taken the brooch to Idlewild and dropped it, "all purply-sparkling," into the Lake of Shining Waters. Marilla was furious and forbade the picnic anyway. Anne flung herself on the bed in despair while Marilla scrubbed floors that did not need scrubbing.

That afternoon Marilla took out her best black lace shawl to mend a small tear. Sunlight through the window vines struck something caught in the lace, glittering violet. It was the amethyst brooch, hanging from a thread by its catch. "Dear life and heart," said Marilla blankly. "What does this mean?" — 41That afternoon Marilla took out her best black lace shawl to mend a small tear. Sunlight through the window vines struck something caught in the lace, glittering violet. It was the amethyst brooch, hanging from a thread by its catch. "Dear life and heart," said Marilla blankly. "What does this mean?"

Marilla admitted she had driven Anne to a false confession. "If you'll forgive me, Anne, I'll forgive you and we'll start square again." Jerry drove Anne down to the picnic in time. She went boating on the lake and ate her first ice cream, and came home declaring it had been perfectly "scrumptious" and the ice cream sublime. — 42Marilla admitted she had driven Anne to a false confession. "If you'll forgive me, Anne, I'll forgive you and we'll start square again." Jerry drove Anne down to the picnic in time. She went boating on the lake and ate her first ice cream, and came home declaring it had been perfectly "scrumptious" and the ice cream sublime.

On a crisp September morning, Anne and Diana went to school the romantic way: down Lover's Lane, past Willowmere and Violet Vale, and along the Birch Path. Diana told Anne that Gilbert Blythe was back from New Brunswick. He was 'aw'fly handsome', she said, and he teased the girls something terrible. — 43On a crisp September morning, Anne and Diana went to school the romantic way: down Lover's Lane, past Willowmere and Violet Vale, and along the Birch Path. Diana told Anne that Gilbert Blythe was back from New Brunswick. He was 'aw'fly handsome', she said, and he teased the girls something terrible.

That afternoon Anne sat dreaming at the window, gazing at the Lake of Shining Waters. Gilbert was not used to girls ignoring him. He reached across the aisle, picked up the end of her long red braid and held it out at arm's length. "Carrots! Carrots!" he said in a piercing whisper. — 44That afternoon Anne sat dreaming at the window, gazing at the Lake of Shining Waters. Gilbert was not used to girls ignoring him. He reached across the aisle, picked up the end of her long red braid and held it out at arm's length. "Carrots! Carrots!" he said in a piercing whisper.

Anne sprang to her feet, her eyes full of angry tears. "You mean, hateful boy! How dare you!" Thwack! She brought her slate down on Gilbert's head and cracked it right across. The slate broke, not the head. The whole school gasped in horrified delight. — 45Anne sprang to her feet, her eyes full of angry tears. "You mean, hateful boy! How dare you!" Thwack! She brought her slate down on Gilbert's head and cracked it right across. The slate broke, not the head. The whole school gasped in horrified delight.

Gilbert said stoutly that it was his fault, but Mr. Phillips paid no heed. He made Anne stand on the platform for the rest of the afternoon and wrote above her head: 'Ann Shirley has a very bad temper.' He even spelled her name without an e. Anne did not cry or hang her head. — 46Gilbert said stoutly that it was his fault, but Mr. Phillips paid no heed. He made Anne stand on the platform for the rest of the afternoon and wrote above her head: 'Ann Shirley has a very bad temper.' He even spelled her name without an e. Anne did not cry or hang her head.

The next day Mr. Phillips said anyone late from dinner hour would be punished. Anne had been wandering in Mr. Bell's spruce grove with lilies in her hair. She raced back and slipped in among the boys, but he picked her alone. "Since you seem so fond of the boys' company... sit with Gilbert Blythe." — 47The next day Mr. Phillips said anyone late from dinner hour would be punished. Anne had been wandering in Mr. Bell's spruce grove with lilies in her hair. She raced back and slipped in among the boys, but he picked her alone. "Since you seem so fond of the boys' company... sit with Gilbert Blythe."

Anne sat beside Gilbert and buried her face in her arms, white with shame. Once, when nobody was looking, Gilbert slipped a little pink candy heart marked 'You are sweet' under her arm. Anne picked it up by her fingertips, dropped it on the floor and ground it to powder under her heel. — 48Anne sat beside Gilbert and buried her face in her arms, white with shame. Once, when nobody was looking, Gilbert slipped a little pink candy heart marked 'You are sweet' under her arm. Anne picked it up by her fingertips, dropped it on the floor and ground it to powder under her heel.

After school Anne piled every book she owned on her cracked slate and carried them home. She was never going back to that man's school, she told Diana. Diana begged and nearly cried, and Marilla said 'Nonsense!' But Mrs. Rachel Lynde advised humouring her, so Anne learned her lessons at home and snubbed Gilbert icily. — 49After school Anne piled every book she owned on her cracked slate and carried them home. She was never going back to that man's school, she told Diana. Diana begged and nearly cried, and Marilla said 'Nonsense!' But Mrs. Rachel Lynde advised humouring her, so Anne learned her lessons at home and snubbed Gilbert icily.

One twilight Marilla came in with apples and found Anne weeping by the east window. Some day, Anne sobbed, Diana would marry and leave her, and she hated the husband already. Marilla collapsed into a chair, laughing so hard that Matthew stopped short in the yard. "If you must borrow trouble, for pity's sake borrow it handier home." — 50One twilight Marilla came in with apples and found Anne weeping by the east window. Some day, Anne sobbed, Diana would marry and leave her, and she hated the husband already. Marilla collapsed into a chair, laughing so hard that Matthew stopped short in the yard. "If you must borrow trouble, for pity's sake borrow it handier home."

One golden October Saturday, Marilla went to an Aid meeting and said Anne could have Diana to tea. Diana arrived in her second-best dress, knocked primly at the front door instead of running into the kitchen, and the two girls shook hands as gravely as if they had never met before. — 51One golden October Saturday, Marilla went to an Aid meeting and said Anne could have Diana to tea. Diana arrived in her second-best dress, knocked primly at the front door instead of running into the kitchen, and the two girls shook hands as gravely as if they had never met before.

After an afternoon of apples in the orchard, Anne set out the red drink from the sitting-room closet. Diana drank three big tumblers of it while Anne chattered about her kitchen disasters, among them a mouse she had found drowned in the pudding sauce. "It doesn't taste a bit like Mrs. Lynde's," Diana said. — 52After an afternoon of apples in the orchard, Anne set out the red drink from the sitting-room closet. Diana drank three big tumblers of it while Anne chattered about her kitchen disasters, among them a mouse she had found drowned in the pudding sauce. "It doesn't taste a bit like Mrs. Lynde's," Diana said.

Suddenly Diana stood up very unsteadily and said she was awful sick and must go home. Anne begged her to stay for tea, but Diana would only repeat it. Tearfully, Anne walked her as far as the Barry yard fence, then cried all the way back to Green Gables. — 53Suddenly Diana stood up very unsteadily and said she was awful sick and must go home. Anne begged her to stay for tea, but Diana would only repeat it. Tearfully, Anne walked her as far as the Barry yard fence, then cried all the way back to Green Gables.

On Monday Anne came home sobbing: Mrs. Barry said she had set Diana drunk on purpose. Marilla marched to the closet and found the truth. The bottle was her three-year-old currant wine, and she had put the cordial in the cellar. "Anne, you certainly have a genius for getting into trouble." — 54On Monday Anne came home sobbing: Mrs. Barry said she had set Diana drunk on purpose. Marilla marched to the closet and found the truth. The bottle was her three-year-old currant wine, and she had put the cordial in the cellar. "Anne, you certainly have a genius for getting into trouble."

Marilla's visit to Orchard Slope did no good, so Anne went herself, bareheaded under a pale little moon. "Oh, Mrs. Barry, please forgive me," she pleaded. But Mrs. Barry thought her big words were mockery. She said Anne was not fit company for Diana and shut the door. — 55Marilla's visit to Orchard Slope did no good, so Anne went herself, bareheaded under a pale little moon. "Oh, Mrs. Barry, please forgive me," she pleaded. But Mrs. Barry thought her big words were mockery. She said Anne was not fit company for Diana and shut the door.

Marilla laughed over the whole affair with Matthew that night. But when she looked into the east gable and found that Anne had cried herself to sleep, her face softened. "Poor little soul," she murmured, and she bent down and kissed the flushed cheek on the pillow. — 56Marilla laughed over the whole affair with Matthew that night. But when she looked into the east gable and found that Anne had cried herself to sleep, her face softened. "Poor little soul," she murmured, and she bent down and kissed the flushed cheek on the pillow.

The next day Diana beckoned from the Dryad's Bubble. Her mother had given her ten minutes to say good-bye. "I love you devotedly, Anne," Diana sobbed. Anne, who had never been loved before, solemnly cut a lock of Diana's black hair with her patchwork scissors to treasure forever. — 57The next day Diana beckoned from the Dryad's Bubble. Her mother had given her ten minutes to say good-bye. "I love you devotedly, Anne," Diana sobbed. Anne, who had never been loved before, solemnly cut a lock of Diana's black hair with her patchwork scissors to treasure forever.

Anne went back to school, where Diana now sat with Gertie Pye. A twisted note and a red tissue bookmark came across the room: "I love you as much as ever." Meanwhile Anne threw herself into her lessons, determined never to be beaten by Gilbert Blythe, though she would not admit he existed. — 58Anne went back to school, where Diana now sat with Gertie Pye. A twisted note and a red tissue bookmark came across the room: "I love you as much as ever." Meanwhile Anne threw herself into her lessons, determined never to be beaten by Gilbert Blythe, though she would not admit he existed.

In January, Marilla went to town to see the Premier. Anne was coming up from the cellar with russets when Diana burst into the kitchen, white-faced. "Minnie May is awful sick, she's got croup!" Anne dropped her plate and candle, and Matthew silently went out to harness the mare and fetch a doctor. — 59In January, Marilla went to town to see the Premier. Anne was coming up from the cellar with russets when Diana burst into the kitchen, white-faced. "Minnie May is awful sick, she's got croup!" Anne dropped her plate and candle, and Matthew silently went out to harness the mare and fetch a doctor.

Anne grabbed the ipecac bottle, and the two friends ran hand in hand through Lover's Lane and across the crusted fields under big frosty stars. Anne was truly sorry for Minnie May, but she could not help finding it lovely to be racing through the night beside her bosom friend again. — 60Anne grabbed the ipecac bottle, and the two friends ran hand in hand through Lover's Lane and across the crusted fields under big frosty stars. Anne was truly sorry for Minnie May, but she could not help finding it lovely to be racing through the night beside her bosom friend again.

Three-year-old Minnie May was very sick, and the hired girl, Young Mary Joe, didn't know what to do. Anne had nursed three pairs of Hammond twins through croup, so she took charge: hot water, flannels and dose after dose of ipecac all night long. At three o'clock the doctor arrived to find the child asleep, and he later said Anne had saved her life. — 61Three-year-old Minnie May was very sick, and the hired girl, Young Mary Joe, didn't know what to do. Anne had nursed three pairs of Hammond twins through croup, so she took charge: hot water, flannels and dose after dose of ipecac all night long. At three o'clock the doctor arrived to find the child asleep, and he later said Anne had saved her life.

The next afternoon Mrs. Barry came to say she was sorry. That evening Anne flew to Orchard Slope without a cap, where Mrs. Barry kissed her, cried, and served tea on her best china. Anne and Diana were friends again. "You see before you a perfectly happy person, Marilla," Anne said when she got home. — 62The next afternoon Mrs. Barry came to say she was sorry. That evening Anne flew to Orchard Slope without a cap, where Mrs. Barry kissed her, cried, and served tea on her best china. Anne and Diana were friends again. "You see before you a perfectly happy person, Marilla," Anne said when she got home.

One February evening, Anne ran down from the east gable, breathless. She and Diana had invented a way to signal with candles and cardboard, and Diana had just flashed five times. Five flashes meant: "Come over as soon as possible, because I have something important to reveal." — 63One February evening, Anne ran down from the east gable, breathless. She and Diana had invented a way to signal with candles and cardboard, and Diana had just flashed five times. Five flashes meant: "Come over as soon as possible, because I have something important to reveal."

Diana's news was a birthday invitation: a sleigh drive to the Debating Club concert, then a night in the Barrys' spare-room bed. Marilla refused flatly. But Matthew, who had seemed fast asleep on the lounge, opened his eyes. "Well now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go." He said it again and again until Marilla gave in. — 64Diana's news was a birthday invitation: a sleigh drive to the Debating Club concert, then a night in the Barrys' spare-room bed. Marilla refused flatly. But Matthew, who had seemed fast asleep on the lounge, opened his eyes. "Well now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go." He said it again and again until Marilla gave in.

The concert was a string of thrills, every one thrillier than the last, though Anne read a library book all through Gilbert's recitation. Back at Orchard Slope near midnight, the girls raced in their nightgowns to the spare-room bed and bounced onto it together, and someone underneath gasped, "Merciful goodness!" — 65The concert was a string of thrills, every one thrillier than the last, though Anne read a library book all through Gilbert's recitation. Back at Orchard Slope near midnight, the girls raced in their nightgowns to the spare-room bed and bounced onto it together, and someone underneath gasped, "Merciful goodness!"

Furious Aunt Josephine threatened to leave and cancel Diana's music lessons. Anne knocked on her door and confessed that it was all her idea. "Have you any imagination, Miss Barry? If you have, just put yourself in our place." The old lady laughed, stayed her month out and more, and became a firm friend. She was a kindred spirit after all. — 66Furious Aunt Josephine threatened to leave and cancel Diana's music lessons. Anne knocked on her door and confessed that it was all her idea. "Have you any imagination, Miss Barry? If you have, just put yourself in our place." The old lady laughed, stayed her month out and more, and became a firm friend. She was a kindred spirit after all.

Spring brought Mayflower processions, and a June evening marked a whole year at Green Gables. Then Marilla sent Anne to the Barrys at dusk, and Anne confessed that she and Diana had imagined the spruce grove full of ghosts. Marilla marched her to the bridge to cure her. Every whispering bough and pale birch strip made Anne's heart stand still. — 67Spring brought Mayflower processions, and a June evening marked a whole year at Green Gables. Then Marilla sent Anne to the Barrys at dusk, and Anne confessed that she and Diana had imagined the spruce grove full of ghosts. Marilla marched her to the bridge to cure her. Every whispering bough and pale birch strip made Anne's heart stand still.

On the last day of June, Mr. Phillips made his farewell speech, "The time has come for us to part," with tears in his own eyes. Every girl in school wept, even those who had sworn they wouldn't. Walking home, they met the new minister, Mr. Allan, and his pretty young wife coming from the station. — 68On the last day of June, Mr. Phillips made his farewell speech, "The time has come for us to part," with tears in his own eyes. Every girl in school wept, even those who had sworn they wouldn't. Walking home, they met the new minister, Mr. Allan, and his pretty young wife coming from the station.

Anne adored gentle Mrs. Allan at once and begged to bake a layer cake when the Allans came to tea. It rose like golden foam. But Mrs. Allan took a bite and got a most peculiar expression, and Marilla sniffed the bottle labelled "vanilla". Anne, with a heavy cold, had flavoured her cake with Anodyne Liniment. — 69Anne adored gentle Mrs. Allan at once and begged to bake a layer cake when the Allans came to tea. It rose like golden foam. But Mrs. Allan took a bite and got a most peculiar expression, and Marilla sniffed the bottle labelled "vanilla". Anne, with a heavy cold, had flavoured her cake with Anodyne Liniment.

Anne fled upstairs in tears, but Mrs. Allan followed, called it a funny mistake anybody might make, and asked to see her garden. That evening, after the guests had gone, Anne sighed hopefully. "Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?" — 70Anne fled upstairs in tears, but Mrs. Allan followed, called it a funny mistake anybody might make, and asked to see her garden. That evening, after the guests had gone, Anne sighed hopefully. "Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?"

One August evening Anne ran home with a letter addressed to 'Miss Anne Shirley, Green Gables', the first time anyone had ever called her Miss. It invited her to tea at the manse. Next day Mrs. Allan met her at the door in pale-pink frills. Anne kept to the rules of etiquette, was asked to join the choir, and heard that a lady teacher was coming. — 71One August evening Anne ran home with a letter addressed to 'Miss Anne Shirley, Green Gables', the first time anyone had ever called her Miss. It invited her to tea at the manse. Next day Mrs. Allan met her at the door in pale-pink frills. Anne kept to the rules of etiquette, was asked to join the choir, and heard that a lady teacher was coming.

A week later, at Diana's party, the girls took to 'daring', and Josie Pye dared Anne to walk the ridgepole of Mr. Barry's kitchen roof. 'My honor is at stake,' Anne said, and she climbed up. She managed several dizzy steps, then swayed and slid down the far side of the roof into the Virginia creeper. — 72A week later, at Diana's party, the girls took to 'daring', and Josie Pye dared Anne to walk the ridgepole of Mr. Barry's kitchen roof. 'My honor is at stake,' Anne said, and she climbed up. She managed several dizzy steps, then swayed and slid down the far side of the roof into the Virginia creeper.

Marilla was picking apples in the orchard when she saw Mr. Barry coming up the slope with Anne lying limp in his arms. In that stab of fear she knew Anne was dearer to her than anything else on earth. 'Don't be very frightened, Marilla,' Anne said, lifting her head. 'I might have broken my neck.' — 73Marilla was picking apples in the orchard when she saw Mr. Barry coming up the slope with Anne lying limp in his arms. In that stab of fear she knew Anne was dearer to her than anything else on earth. 'Don't be very frightened, Marilla,' Anne said, lifting her head. 'I might have broken my neck.'

The doctor found that Anne's ankle was broken, and she was laid up for seven long weeks. Her imagination helped her through, and so did her visitors. Diana came every day, Mrs. Allan came fourteen times, and even Josie Pye looked in. Each one brought news of the new teacher, Miss Stacy, with her field afternoons and Friday recitations. — 74The doctor found that Anne's ankle was broken, and she was laid up for seven long weeks. Her imagination helped her through, and so did her visitors. Diana came every day, Mrs. Allan came fourteen times, and even Josie Pye looked in. Each one brought news of the new teacher, Miss Stacy, with her field afternoons and Friday recitations.

In a red-and-gold October Anne went back to her desk beside Diana and found a true friend in Miss Stacy. There were nature walks, compositions and recitations. In November Miss Stacy proposed a Christmas concert to buy a flag for the schoolhouse. Marilla called it rank foolishness, but Anne threw herself into the rehearsals heart and soul. — 75In a red-and-gold October Anne went back to her desk beside Diana and found a true friend in Miss Stacy. There were nature walks, compositions and recitations. In November Miss Stacy proposed a Christmas concert to buy a flag for the schoolhouse. Marilla called it rank foolishness, but Anne threw herself into the rehearsals heart and soul.

One December twilight Matthew sat unnoticed in the woodbox corner as the girls left a practice. Something made Anne look different from her friends. After two hours with his pipe he knew what it was: they wore bright dresses with puffed sleeves, while Marilla kept Anne in plain dark ones. He decided to give her a pretty dress for Christmas. — 76One December twilight Matthew sat unnoticed in the woodbox corner as the girls left a practice. Something made Anne look different from her friends. After two hours with his pipe he knew what it was: they wore bright dresses with puffed sleeves, while Marilla kept Anne in plain dark ones. He decided to give her a pretty dress for Christmas.

In Carmody, Matthew found a dashing lady clerk, Miss Lucilla Harris, behind Lawson's counter, and her rattling bangles wrecked his nerve. Instead of a dress, he asked for a garden rake in December, then for hayseed, and finally carried home twenty pounds of coarse brown sugar. 'I thought it might come in handy sometime,' he told a puzzled Marilla. — 77In Carmody, Matthew found a dashing lady clerk, Miss Lucilla Harris, behind Lawson's counter, and her rattling bangles wrecked his nerve. Instead of a dress, he asked for a garden rake in December, then for hayseed, and finally carried home twenty pounds of coarse brown sugar. 'I thought it might come in handy sometime,' he told a puzzled Marilla.

At last Matthew asked Mrs. Lynde for help. She chose a rich brown gloria and sewed it herself, fitting it to her niece, Jenny Gillis. Matthew had asked for the sleeves 'made in the new way', so she gave them the latest fashionable puffs. On Christmas Eve, Marilla received the dress stiffly but tolerantly. — 78At last Matthew asked Mrs. Lynde for help. She chose a rich brown gloria and sewed it herself, fitting it to her niece, Jenny Gillis. Matthew had asked for the sleeves 'made in the new way', so she gave them the latest fashionable puffs. On Christmas Eve, Marilla received the dress stiffly but tolerantly.

Christmas morning broke white and lovely. Matthew shyly unfolded the dress, and Anne gazed at its frills and lace and its two great puffed sleeves until her eyes filled with tears. 'Oh, Matthew, it's perfectly exquisite,' she whispered. Later Diana brought a gift from Aunt Josephine: dainty kid slippers with beaded toes, just right for a fairy. — 79Christmas morning broke white and lovely. Matthew shyly unfolded the dress, and Anne gazed at its frills and lace and its two great puffed sleeves until her eyes filled with tears. 'Oh, Matthew, it's perfectly exquisite,' she whispered. Later Diana brought a gift from Aunt Josephine: dainty kid slippers with beaded toes, just right for a fairy.

That evening the little hall was crowded, and Anne was the bright particular star, as even Josie Pye dared not deny. Facing what felt like a million eyes, she thought of her puffed sleeves and took courage. Her sad recitation brought tears to old Mrs. Sloane's eyes. Afterward, Diana told her Gilbert had pocketed a rose from her hair. — 80That evening the little hall was crowded, and Anne was the bright particular star, as even Josie Pye dared not deny. Facing what felt like a million eyes, she thought of her puffed sleeves and took courage. Her sad recitation brought tears to old Mrs. Sloane's eyes. Afterward, Diana told her Gilbert had pocketed a rose from her hair.

That night Matthew and Marilla, out at a concert for the first time in twenty years, sat by the kitchen fire. Marilla admitted she was proud of Anne, though she wasn't going to tell her so. 'She'll need something more than Avonlea school by and by,' said Matthew. Marilla agreed that they might send her to Queen's after a spell. — 81That night Matthew and Marilla, out at a concert for the first time in twenty years, sat by the kitchen fire. Marilla admitted she was proud of Anne, though she wasn't going to tell her so. 'She'll need something more than Avonlea school by and by,' said Matthew. Marilla agreed that they might send her to Queen's after a spell.

On her thirteenth birthday Anne tripped down the Birch Path with Diana, boasting of her composition, 'The Jealous Rival', in which nearly everyone drowned and the villainess went mad. When Diana sighed that she had no imagination, Anne founded a Story Club on the spot. 'Let you and me write stories for practice!' — 82On her thirteenth birthday Anne tripped down the Birch Path with Diana, boasting of her composition, 'The Jealous Rival', in which nearly everyone drowned and the villainess went mad. When Diana sighed that she had no imagination, Anne founded a Story Club on the spot. 'Let you and me write stories for practice!'

One April evening Marilla came home to a cold kitchen and found Anne hiding face-down in the east gable. A peddler had sold her a bottle of dye that he swore would turn red hair raven black. By candlelight Marilla stared. 'Anne Shirley, what have you done to your hair? Why, it's green!' — 83One April evening Marilla came home to a cold kitchen and found Anne hiding face-down in the east gable. A peddler had sold her a bottle of dye that he swore would turn red hair raven black. By candlelight Marilla stared. 'Anne Shirley, what have you done to your hair? Why, it's green!'

For a week Anne stayed home and scrubbed her hair every day, but the fast dye would not wash out. At last Marilla took up the scissors and cut it as close as she could, while Anne wept that it was such an unromantic affliction. — 84For a week Anne stayed home and scrubbed her hair every day, but the fast dye would not wash out. At last Marilla took up the scissors and cut it as close as she could, while Anne wept that it was such an unromantic affliction.

Upstairs, Anne turned the looking-glass to the wall, then set it right again. As a penance for her vanity, she would look at her ugly cropped head every time she came into her room, and she would not imagine it away. — 85Upstairs, Anne turned the looking-glass to the wall, then set it right again. As a penance for her vanity, she would look at her ugly cropped head every time she came into her room, and she would not imagine it away.

At school Josie Pye called her a scarecrow, and Anne forgave her. That evening she chattered on to Marilla, who lay on the sofa with a headache. 'As for your chatter, I don't know that I mind it—I've got so used to it.' That was Marilla's way of saying she liked to hear it. — 86At school Josie Pye called her a scarecrow, and Anne forgave her. That evening she chattered on to Marilla, who lay on the sofa with a headache. 'As for your chatter, I don't know that I mind it—I've got so used to it.' That was Marilla's way of saying she liked to hear it.

By midsummer Anne's short curls had darkened to something nearly auburn. On the Barry pond the girls played Tennyson's 'Elaine', and Anne lay in Mr. Barry's flat under a black shawl, a blue iris in her folded hands, while Diana, Jane and Ruby pushed the lily maid off toward the bridge. — 87By midsummer Anne's short curls had darkened to something nearly auburn. On the Barry pond the girls played Tennyson's 'Elaine', and Anne lay in Mr. Barry's flat under a black shawl, a blue iris in her folded hands, while Diana, Jane and Ruby pushed the lily maid off toward the bridge.

Then the flat began to leak, torn by an old stake at the landing, and the oars had been left behind. Anne prayed with her eyes open. When the sinking flat bumped a bridge pile, she scrambled onto an old branch stub and clung there, while the girls ran shrieking for help. — 88Then the flat began to leak, torn by an old stake at the landing, and the oars had been left behind. Anne prayed with her eyes open. When the sinking flat bumped a bridge pile, she scrambled onto an old branch stub and clung there, while the girls ran shrieking for help.

Just as her arms ached past bearing, Gilbert Blythe came rowing under the bridge in Harmon Andrews's dory. 'Anne Shirley! How on earth did you get there?' There was no help for it: Anne took his hand and climbed down into the boat, dripping and furious. — 89Just as her arms ached past bearing, Gilbert Blythe came rowing under the bridge in Harmon Andrews's dory. 'Anne Shirley! How on earth did you get there?' There was no help for it: Anne took his hand and climbed down into the boat, dripping and furious.

At the landing Gilbert asked to be friends and said her hair was awfully pretty now. Anne's heart gave a queer little beat, but she remembered 'carrots'. 'I shall never be friends with you, Gilbert Blythe!' He rowed off angrily, and as she climbed the path she felt an odd pang of regret. — 90At the landing Gilbert asked to be friends and said her hair was awfully pretty now. Anne's heart gave a queer little beat, but she remembered 'carrots'. 'I shall never be friends with you, Gilbert Blythe!' He rowed off angrily, and as she climbed the path she felt an odd pang of regret.

The flat was lost, and Anne declared she was cured of being romantic for good. But when Marilla had gone out, Matthew laid a shy hand on her shoulder. 'Don't give up all your romance, Anne. A little of it is a good thing—keep a little of it, Anne.' — 91The flat was lost, and Anne declared she was cured of being romantic for good. But when Marilla had gone out, Matthew laid a shy hand on her shoulder. 'Don't give up all your romance, Anne. A little of it is a good thing—keep a little of it, Anne.'

That September, Diana's Aunt Josephine invited the girls to stay with her in Charlottetown for the Exhibition. Marilla agreed, and on Wednesday Miss Barry kept them on the grounds all day among thousands of strangers, admiring horses, flowers and prize fancywork, and even glimpsing the races and a balloon going up. — 92That September, Diana's Aunt Josephine invited the girls to stay with her in Charlottetown for the Exhibition. Marilla agreed, and on Wednesday Miss Barry kept them on the grounds all day among thousands of strangers, admiring horses, flowers and prize fancywork, and even glimpsing the races and a balloon going up.

On Thursday evening Miss Barry took them to hear the prima donna Madame Selitsky, in white satin and diamonds. Anne sat in enraptured silence with happy tears in her eyes. "It seemed to me that it could never be hard to be good any more," she said afterward. — 93On Thursday evening Miss Barry took them to hear the prima donna Madame Selitsky, in white satin and diamonds. Anne sat in enraptured silence with happy tears in her eyes. "It seemed to me that it could never be hard to be good any more," she said afterward.

On Friday they drove home along the moonlit shore road, and the kitchen light of Green Gables winked a welcome. Marilla had cooked a broiled chicken and admitted it had been "fearful lonesome" without her. After supper Anne sat by the fire and told everything. "But the best of it all was the coming home." — 94On Friday they drove home along the moonlit shore road, and the kitchen light of Green Gables winked a welcome. Marilla had cooked a broiled chicken and admitted it had been "fearful lonesome" without her. After supper Anne sat by the fire and told everything. "But the best of it all was the coming home."

One November twilight Marilla told Anne that Miss Stacy was forming a class to study for the Queen's entrance examination, and that she might join. Anne was overjoyed, though Diana would not come. In the class the rivalry with Gilbert Blythe was open now: he wanted to be first as badly as she did. — 95One November twilight Marilla told Anne that Miss Stacy was forming a class to study for the Queen's entrance examination, and that she might join. Anne was overjoyed, though Diana would not come. In the class the rivalry with Gilbert Blythe was open now: he wanted to be first as badly as she did.

Since the day by the pond, Gilbert had simply ignored her, and Anne found that it was not pleasant to be ignored. To her dismay, her old anger had quietly gone. She had forgiven him without knowing it, but she was too proud to let anyone, even Diana, ever guess. — 96Since the day by the pond, Gilbert had simply ignored her, and Anne found that it was not pleasant to be ignored. To her dismay, her old anger had quietly gone. She had forgiven him without knowing it, but she was too proud to let anyone, even Diana, ever guess.

That June Matthew had a bad spell with his heart, and the doctor said he must avoid excitement and heavy work. Mrs. Lynde came to tea, praised Anne's light biscuits, and at the lane's end owned up at last. "I did make a mistake in judging Anne... But I was mistaken and I'm real glad of it." — 97That June Matthew had a bad spell with his heart, and the doctor said he must avoid excitement and heavy work. Mrs. Lynde came to tea, praised Anne's light biscuits, and at the lane's end owned up at last. "I did make a mistake in judging Anne... But I was mistaken and I'm real glad of it."

On the doctor's orders Anne spent a golden summer outdoors, then a busy winter of study. One day Marilla found Anne taller than herself. That night, alone in the twilight, she cried, until Matthew came in with a lantern. "She's got to be such a big girl—and she'll probably be away from us next winter." — 98On the doctor's orders Anne spent a golden summer outdoors, then a busy winter of study. One day Marilla found Anne taller than herself. That night, alone in the twilight, she cried, until Matthew came in with a lantern. "She's got to be such a big girl—and she'll probably be away from us next winter."

In June, Miss Stacy's last term ended, and Anne and Diana walked home in tears. The next week Anne went to Charlottetown for the Entrance exams. When the English paper was handed out her hands went cold and her head whirled. Then her mind cleared, and she knew she could manage it, though the geometry paper still to come filled her with dread. — 99In June, Miss Stacy's last term ended, and Anne and Diana walked home in tears. The next week Anne went to Charlottetown for the Entrance exams. When the English paper was handed out her hands went cold and her head whirled. Then her mind cleared, and she knew she could manage it, though the geometry paper still to come filled her with dread.

Three anxious weeks went by with no pass list. Then one summer dusk, sitting at her open window, Anne saw Diana come flying down through the firs and over the log bridge, a newspaper fluttering in her hand. Minutes later Diana burst into the room: "Anne, you've passed the very first—you and Gilbert both—you're ties—but your name is first!" — 100Three anxious weeks went by with no pass list. Then one summer dusk, sitting at her open window, Anne saw Diana come flying down through the firs and over the log bridge, a newspaper fluttering in her hand. Minutes later Diana burst into the room: "Anne, you've passed the very first—you and Gilbert both—you're ties—but your name is first!"

Anne's name was at the very top of a list of two hundred. She ran straight to the hayfield, where Matthew was coiling hay. "Oh, Matthew, I've passed and I'm first!" Matthew beamed: he had always said she could beat them all. At the fence, Marilla tried to hide her pride, while Mrs. Lynde declared they were all proud of her. — 101Anne's name was at the very top of a list of two hundred. She ran straight to the hayfield, where Matthew was coiling hay. "Oh, Matthew, I've passed and I'm first!" Matthew beamed: he had always said she could beat them all. At the fence, Marilla tried to hide her pride, while Mrs. Lynde declared they were all proud of her.

That night, after a quiet talk with Mrs. Allan at the manse, Anne knelt by her open window in the moonlight. She whispered a prayer that came straight from her heart, giving thanks for all she had been given and asking help to be worthy of what lay ahead. — 102That night, after a quiet talk with Mrs. Allan at the manse, Anne knelt by her open window in the moonlight. She whispered a prayer that came straight from her heart, giving thanks for all she had been given and asking help to be worthy of what lay ahead.

Later that summer Anne recited at a concert at the White Sands Hotel, wearing her white organdy and the pearl beads Matthew had given her. On the brilliant platform she froze with stage fright. Then she saw Gilbert smiling at the back of the hall. Sure he was laughing at her, she flung up her head and recited as never before, and won an encore. — 103Later that summer Anne recited at a concert at the White Sands Hotel, wearing her white organdy and the pearl beads Matthew had given her. On the brilliant platform she froze with stage fright. Then she saw Gilbert smiling at the back of the hall. Sure he was laughing at her, she flung up her head and recited as never before, and won an encore.

Driving home under the moon beside the silver sea, Jane sighed for diamonds and rich hotel summers. Anne would not trade places with any of the fine ladies. "I'm quite content to be Anne of Green Gables, with my string of pearl beads," she said. Matthew, she knew, had given as much love with them as any jewels ever carried. — 104Driving home under the moon beside the silver sea, Jane sighed for diamonds and rich hotel summers. Anne would not trade places with any of the fine ladies. "I'm quite content to be Anne of Green Gables, with my string of pearl beads," she said. Matthew, she knew, had given as much love with them as any jewels ever carried.

Marilla bought Anne a delicate pale green dress to take to Queen's. One evening Anne put it on and recited for them in the kitchen, and Marilla, remembering the frightened orphan in her ugly wincey dress, began to cry. Anne sat on her lap and held her lined face. "At heart I shall always be your little Anne." — 105Marilla bought Anne a delicate pale green dress to take to Queen's. One evening Anne put it on and recited for them in the kitchen, and Marilla, remembering the frightened orphan in her ugly wincey dress, began to cry. Anne sat on her lap and held her lined face. "At heart I shall always be your little Anne."

Matthew, his eyes suspiciously moist, slipped out into the blue summer night and walked to the gate under the poplars. She was smart and pretty and loving, he thought, and there never was a luckier mistake. "It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon." — 106Matthew, his eyes suspiciously moist, slipped out into the blue summer night and walked to the gate under the poplars. She was smart and pretty and loving, he thought, and there never was a luckier mistake. "It was Providence, because the Almighty saw we needed her, I reckon."

In September Matthew drove Anne to town, and Marilla wept into her pillow that night. Anne, studying for her First Class licence in one year with Gilbert in her class, boarded alone in a bare little room. She counted her tears and thought of the orchard and Diana's window light, until her Avonlea classmates came by and Josie brought news of an Avery scholarship for English. — 107In September Matthew drove Anne to town, and Marilla wept into her pillow that night. Anne, studying for her First Class licence in one year with Gilbert in her class, boarded alone in a bare little room. She counted her tears and thought of the orchard and Diana's window light, until her Avonlea classmates came by and Josie brought news of an Avery scholarship for English.

Anne worked all winter, and her rivalry with Gilbert lost its bitterness. On results day she found the hall full of boys carrying him on their shoulders: "Hurrah for Blythe, Medalist!" Her heart sank, until someone shouted, "Three cheers for Miss Shirley, winner of the Avery!" — 108Anne worked all winter, and her rivalry with Gilbert lost its bitterness. On results day she found the hall full of boys carrying him on their shoulders: "Hurrah for Blythe, Medalist!" Her heart sank, until someone shouted, "Three cheers for Miss Shirley, winner of the Avery!"

At Commencement Anne, tall in her pale green dress, read the best essay, and everyone whispered that she was the Avery winner. "Reckon you're glad we kept her, Marilla?" Matthew whispered. "It's not the first time I've been glad," Marilla retorted, as Miss Barry poked her with a parasol to say how proud she was. — 109At Commencement Anne, tall in her pale green dress, read the best essay, and everyone whispered that she was the Avery winner. "Reckon you're glad we kept her, Marilla?" Matthew whispered. "It's not the first time I've been glad," Marilla retorted, as Miss Barry poked her with a parasol to say how proud she was.

Back at Green Gables, among the apple blossoms, Diana said reproachfully that Josie Pye claimed Anne loved Stella Maynard better. Anne laughed and pelted her with June lilies. Then Diana told her that Gilbert could not afford college and would teach instead, and Anne felt an odd little dismay at losing her friend the enemy. — 110Back at Green Gables, among the apple blossoms, Diana said reproachfully that Josie Pye claimed Anne loved Stella Maynard better. Anne laughed and pelted her with June lilies. Then Diana told her that Gilbert could not afford college and would teach instead, and Anne felt an odd little dismay at losing her friend the enemy.

Marilla confided that Matthew's heart had given him bad spells, and that every penny they owned sat in the shaky Abbey Bank. That evening, as they fetched the cows, Anne wished she had been the boy they had sent for. "Well now, I'd rather have you than a dozen boys, Anne," Matthew said, patting her hand. "My girl that I'm proud of." — 111Marilla confided that Matthew's heart had given him bad spells, and that every penny they owned sat in the shaky Abbey Bank. That evening, as they fetched the cows, Anne wished she had been the boy they had sent for. "Well now, I'd rather have you than a dozen boys, Anne," Matthew said, patting her hand. "My girl that I'm proud of."

One spring morning in Anne's sixteenth year, she came through the hall with her arms full of white narcissus just as Matthew stood in the porch doorway, gray-faced, a newspaper crushed in his hand. It held the news that the Abbey Bank had failed, and every cent the Cuthberts had was in it. Before Anne or Marilla could reach him, he fell. — 112One spring morning in Anne's sixteenth year, she came through the hall with her arms full of white narcissus just as Matthew stood in the porch doorway, gray-faced, a newspaper crushed in his hand. It held the news that the Abbey Bank had failed, and every cent the Cuthberts had was in it. Before Anne or Marilla could reach him, he fell.

The doctor said Matthew's heart had failed at the shock, quickly and without pain. All that day friends and neighbours filled Green Gables, coming and going on quiet errands of kindness. For the first time in his life, shy Matthew Cuthbert was the centre of everyone's attention. — 113The doctor said Matthew's heart had failed at the shock, quickly and without pain. All that day friends and neighbours filled Green Gables, coming and going on quiet errands of kindness. For the first time in his life, shy Matthew Cuthbert was the centre of everyone's attention.

Anne had no tears all day. But she woke in the dark and remembered Matthew smiling at the gate the evening before, saying, "My girl—my girl that I'm proud of." Then she wept her heart out. Marilla crept in and held her, and for the first time said it: "I love you as dear as if you were my own flesh and blood." — 114Anne had no tears all day. But she woke in the dark and remembered Matthew smiling at the gate the evening before, saying, "My girl—my girl that I'm proud of." Then she wept her heart out. Marilla crept in and held her, and for the first time said it: "I love you as dear as if you were my own flesh and blood."

Two days later Matthew was buried, and Avonlea went quietly back to its work. Anne planted a slip of the little white Scotch rosebush his mother had brought from Scotland, the roses Matthew had loved best. When she worried that laughing again was disloyal, Mrs. Allan told her gently that Matthew had always liked to hear her laugh. — 115Two days later Matthew was buried, and Avonlea went quietly back to its work. Anne planted a slip of the little white Scotch rosebush his mother had brought from Scotland, the roses Matthew had loved best. When she worried that laughing again was disloyal, Mrs. Allan told her gently that Matthew had always liked to hear her laugh.

One twilight Anne and Marilla sat on the front steps. Talk turned to Gilbert Blythe, and Marilla surprised Anne: Gilbert's father, John, had once been her beau. "We had a quarrel. I wouldn't forgive him when he asked me to," she said. "I've always kind of wished I'd forgiven him when I had the chance." — 116One twilight Anne and Marilla sat on the front steps. Talk turned to Gilbert Blythe, and Marilla surprised Anne: Gilbert's father, John, had once been her beau. "We had a quarrel. I wouldn't forgive him when he asked me to," she said. "I've always kind of wished I'd forgiven him when I had the chance."

The next evening Anne found Marilla slumped at the kitchen table. The oculist had warned that unless she gave up reading and sewing, and never cried, she would be stone-blind in six months. A few days later a man from Carmody came offering to buy the farm. With the money gone, Marilla wept: she would have to sell Green Gables. — 117The next evening Anne found Marilla slumped at the kitchen table. The oculist had warned that unless she gave up reading and sewing, and never cried, she would be stone-blind in six months. A few days later a man from Carmody came offering to buy the farm. With the money gone, Marilla wept: she would have to sell Green Gables.

"You mustn't sell Green Gables," Anne said firmly. She would give up her scholarship to Redmond College, stay home, teach at Carmody and read aloud to Marilla. "There is no sacrifice," she laughed. Her road had come to a bend, she said, and she would believe the best lay around it. "You blessed girl!" Marilla said, and gave in. — 118"You mustn't sell Green Gables," Anne said firmly. She would give up her scholarship to Redmond College, stay home, teach at Carmody and read aloud to Marilla. "There is no sacrifice," she laughed. Her road had come to a bend, she said, and she would believe the best lay around it. "You blessed girl!" Marilla said, and gave in.

Then Mrs. Lynde brought news: Gilbert had given up the Avonlea school so Anne could teach near home, and taken White Sands instead. At sunset, walking home from the graveyard, Anne met him by his gate and held out her hand to thank him. "Are we going to be friends after this?" he asked. They talked for half an hour. — 119Then Mrs. Lynde brought news: Gilbert had given up the Avonlea school so Anne could teach near home, and taken White Sands instead. At sunset, walking home from the graveyard, Anne met him by his gate and held out her hand to thank him. "Are we going to be friends after this?" he asked. They talked for half an hour.

That night Anne sat long at her window, content. The wind purred in the cherry boughs and Diana's light gleamed through the old gap in the trees. Her path might be narrower now, but she knew flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it, and there was always the bend in the road. "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world." — 120That night Anne sat long at her window, content. The wind purred in the cherry boughs and Diana's light gleamed through the old gap in the trees. Her path might be narrower now, but she knew flowers of quiet happiness would bloom along it, and there was always the bend in the road. "God's in his heaven, all's right with the world."

Adapted from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, public domain. Pictures are AI illustrations drawn for this edition.