October 7, 2025 • 33 mins
(00:00:00) Welcome to Rest
(00:00:48) Introducing tonight's story
(00:02:43) Anne of Green Gables
Tonight, we begin a sleepy reading from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. In Chapter 9, we step into Anne’s world; a place of imagination, warmth and quiet wonder.
So settle in, close your eyes and let this classic tale guide you softly toward rest.
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(00:00:48) Introducing tonight's story
(00:02:43) Anne of Green Gables
Tonight, we begin a sleepy reading from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery. In Chapter 9, we step into Anne’s world; a place of imagination, warmth and quiet wonder.
So settle in, close your eyes and let this classic tale guide you softly toward rest.
If you enjoy the show, please follow, rate and leave a comment, it really goes a long way to help the podcast🌞
NEW episodes are released weekly! Every Tuesday at 6PM (GMT).
Watch, listen and comment on this episode on the Rest YouTube channel!
Support us:
- Rate the show on Spotify and leave comments on your favourite episodes
- Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
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- Got a question or thoughts to share? contact us here.
Music from Uppbeat
https://uppbeat.io/t/tranquilium/undulate
License code: MN6YTYZ4D8TP40BK
https://uppbeat.io/t/tranquilium/gentle-resonance
License code: TXAYDXQYJNZXABYC
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Good evening and welcome to Rest, your sanctuary for peaceful
sleep and relaxation. Whether you're escaping daily stresses or seeking
a nightly companion, you're in the right place. My name
is Jessica, and I'll be your host this evening. Before
(00:27):
we begin, why don't you turn off your screens and
turn down your volume. Now that's done, let's unwind and
help you ease into a blessed rest. Tonight, we're traveling
(00:57):
to the quiet green fields of print Edward Island, where
a small white house with emerald shutters sits beneath wide
open skies. This is Green Gables. It's here that Anne
Shirley has found her home. Once a lonely orphan with
(01:19):
only her daydreams for company, Anne is now discovering what
it means to belong with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and
in the little village of Avonlea. Anne is spirited and
full of wonder, with a heart that always seems to
(01:41):
spill over into stories, adventures, and dreams that reach far
beyond the horizon. In tonight's reading, we'll step into a
tender turning point in her life, a chapter filled with hope, imagination,
(02:01):
and the quiet rather unexpected discoveries you make when growing up.
There's no need to follow every word. Simply let the
soft rhythm of the story, the timeless charm of Anne's world,
and the gentle hush of the countryside carry you softly
(02:25):
toward rest. So settle in, let your breath slow, and
allow this beloved classic to be your companion tonight as
you drift off into sleep. Anne was bringing the cows
(02:48):
home from the back pasture by the way of love
Is Lane. It was a September evening, and all the
gaps and clearings in the woods were brimmed up with
ruby sunset light. Here and there the lane was splashed
with it, but for the most part it was already
(03:12):
quite shadowy. Beneath the maples, and the spaces under the
firs were filled with a clear, violet dusk like airy wine.
The winds were out in their tops, and there is
no sweeter music on earth than that which the wind
(03:34):
makes in the fir trees. At evening, the cows swung
placidly down the lane, and Anne followed them, dreamily, repeating
aloud the battle canto from Marmion, which had also been
part of their English course. The preceding winter, and which
(03:57):
Miss Stacy had made them learn of by heart, and
exulting in its rushing lines and the clash of spears
in its imagery. When she came to the lines, the
stubborn spearsmen still made good their dark, impenetrable wood. She stopped,
(04:21):
in ecstasy to shut her eyes, that she might the
better fancy herself one of that heroic ring. When she
opened them again, it was to behold Diana coming through
the gate that led into the barry field, and looking
(04:43):
so important that Anne instantly divined there was news to
be told, But betrayed too eager curiosity, she would not.
Isn't this evening just like purple dream? Diana? It makes
(05:03):
me so glad to be alive in the mornings. I
always think the mornings are best, but when evening comes,
I think it's lovelier. Still, it's a very fine evening,
said Diana. But oh, I have such news, Anne, guess
(05:29):
you can have three guesses. Charlotte Gillis is going to
be married in the church after all, and missus Allen
wants us to decorate it, cried Anne. No, Charlotte's bow
won't agree to that, because nobody ever has been married
(05:50):
in the church yet, and he thinks it would seem
too much like a funeral. It's too mean because it
would be such fun. Guess again, Jane's mother is going
to let her have a birthday party. Diana shook her head,
(06:11):
her black eyes dancing with merriment. I can't think what
it can be, said Anne in despair. Unless it's that
moody spurgeon McPherson saw you home from prayer meeting last night.
Did he I should think not, exclaimed Diana indignantly. I
(06:36):
wouldn't be likely to boast of it if he did,
the horrid creature. I knew you couldn't guess it. Mother
had a letter from Aunt Josephine today, and Aunt Josephine
wants you and me to go to town next Tuesday
and stop with her for the exhibition there. Oh, Diana,
(07:03):
whispered Anne, finding it necessary to lean up against a
maple tree for support. Do you really mean it? But
I'm afraid Marilla won't let me go. She will say
that she can't encourage gadding about. That was what she
said last week when Jane invited me to go with
(07:26):
them in their double seated Buggy to the American concert
at the White Sands Hotel. I wanted to go, but
Marilla said I'd be better at home learning my lessons,
and so would Jane. I was bitterly disappointed, Diana. I
(07:48):
felt so heartbroken that I wouldn't say my prayers when
I went to bed. But I repented of that and
got up in the middle of the night and said them,
I'll tell you, said Diana. We'll get mother to ask Marilla.
(08:08):
She'll be more likely to let you go then, and
if she does, we'll have the time of our lives. Anne,
I've never been to an exhibition, and it's so aggravating
to hear the other girls talking about their trips. Jane
and Ruby have been twice, and they're going this year again.
(08:35):
I'm not going to think about it at all until
I know whether I can go or not, said Anne resolutely.
If I did and then was disappointed, it would be
more than I could bear. But in case I do go,
(08:55):
I'm very glad my new coat will be ready by
that time. Marilla didn't think I needed a new coat.
She said my old one would do very well for
another winter, and that I ought to be satisfied with
having a new dress. The dress is very pretty, Diana
(09:19):
navy blue and made so fashionably. Marilla always makes my
dresses fashionably now because she says she doesn't intend to
have Matthew going to missus Lynde to make them. I'm
so glad. It is ever so much easier to be
(09:42):
good if your clothes are fashionable. At least it is
easier for me. I suppose it doesn't make such a
difference to naturally good people, but Matthew said I must
have a new So Marilla bought a lovely piece of
(10:04):
blue broadcloth, and it's being made by a real dressmaker
over at Carmedy. It's to be done Saturday night. And
I'm trying not to imagine myself walking up the church
aisle on Sunday in my new suit and cap, because
(10:26):
I'm afraid it isn't right to imagine such things, but
it just slips into my mind in spite of me.
My cap is so pretty. Matthew bought it for me
the day we were over at Carmody. It is one
(10:47):
of those little blue velvet ones that are all the rage,
with gold cord and tassels. Your new hat is elegant.
Diana and so becoming. When I saw you come into
church last Sunday, my heart swelled with pride to think
(11:09):
you were my dearest friend. Do you suppose it's wrong
for us to think so much about our clothes? Marilla says,
it is very sinful, But it is such an interesting subject,
isn't it. Marilla agreed to let Anne go to town,
(11:32):
and it was arranged that mister Barry should take the
girls in on the following Tuesday. As Charlottetown was thirty
miles away and mister Barry wished to go and return
the same day, it was necessary to make a very
early start, but Anne counted it all joy and was
(11:58):
up before sunrise on Tuesday morning. A glance from her
window assured her that the day would be fine, for
the eastern sky behind the furs of the Haunted Wood
was all silvery and cloudless. Through the gap in the trees,
(12:20):
a light was shining in the western gable of Orchard Slope,
a token that Diana was also up. Anne was dressed
by the time Matthew had the fire on and had
the breakfast ready when Marilla came down, but for her
(12:41):
own part was much too excited to eat. After breakfast,
the jaunty new cap and jacket were donned, and Anne
hastened over the brook and up through the furs to
Orchard Slope to Barry and Diana were waiting for her,
(13:04):
and they were soon on the road. It was a
long drive, but Anne and Diana enjoyed every minute of it.
It was delightful to rattle along over the moist roads
in the early red sunlight that was creeping across the
(13:27):
shorn harvest fields. The air was fresh and crisp, and
little smoke blue mists curled through the valleys and floated
off from the hills. Sometimes the road went through woods
(13:47):
where maples were beginning to hang out scarlet banners. Sometimes
it crossed rivers on bridges that made Anne's flesh cringe
with the old half delightful fear. Sometimes it wound along
a harbor shore and passed by a little cluster of
(14:12):
weather gray fishing huts. Again it mounted to hills, whence
a far sweep of curving upland or misty blue sky
could be seen. But wherever it went there was much
of interest to discuss. It was almost noon when they
(14:37):
reached town and found their way to Beechwood. It was
quite a fine old mansion, set back from the street
in a seclusion of green elms and branching beaches. Miss
Barry met them at the door with a twinkle in
(15:00):
her sharp black eyes. So you've come to see me
at last, you, Anne girl, she said, Marcy child, how
you have grown. You're taller than I am, I declare,
and you're ever so much better looking than you used
(15:21):
to be, too. But I dare say you know that
without being told. Indeed I didn't, said Anne radiantly. I
know I'm not so freckled as I used to be,
so I've much to be thankful for. But I really
(15:42):
hadn't dared to hope that there was any other improvement.
I'm so glad you think there is, Miss Barry. Miss
Barry's house was furnished with great magnificence, As Anne told
Marilla afterwards, The two little country girls were rather abashed
(16:05):
by the splendor of the parlor where Miss Barry left
them when she went to sea about dinner. Isn't it
just like a palace, whispered Diana. I never was in
Aunt Josephine's house before, and I'd no idea it was
(16:26):
so grand. I just wish Julia Bell could see this.
She puts on such airs about her mother's parlor. Velvet
carpet sighed Anne luxuriously, and silk curtains. I've dreamed of
(16:47):
such things, Diana, But do you know, I don't believe
I feel very comfortable with them. After all, there are
so many things in this room, and all so splendid
that there is no scope for imagination. That is one
(17:07):
consolation when you are poor. There are so many more
things you can imagine about. They're sojourn Into Town was
something that Anne and Diana dated from for years, from
first to last. It was crowded with delights. On Wednesday,
(17:33):
Miss Barry took them to the exhibition grounds and kept
them there all day. It was splendid, and related to
Marilla later on, I never imagined anything so interesting. I
don't really know which department was the most interesting. I
(17:59):
think I like the horses and the flowers and the
fancy work best. Josie Pye took first prize for knitted lace.
I was real glad she did, and I was glad
that I felt glad for it. Shows I'm improving, don't
(18:20):
you think, Marilla? When I can rejoice in Josie's success.
Mister Harmon Andrews took second prize for Gravenstein apples, and
mister Bell took first prize for a pig. Diana said
she thought it was ridiculous for a Sunday school superintendent
(18:44):
to take a prize in pigs. But I don't see why,
do you? She said she would always think of it
after this, when he was praying so solemnly. Clara Louise
Mauk Fearsome took a prize for painting, and missus Lynde
(19:04):
got first prize for homemade butter and cheese. So Avonlea
was pretty well represented, wasn't it. Missus Lynde was there
that day, and I never knew how much I really
liked her until I saw her familiar face among all
(19:25):
those strangers. There were thousands of people there, Marilla. It
made me feel dreadfully insignificant. And Miss Barry took us
up to the grand stand to see the horse races.
Missus Lynde wouldn't go. She said horse racing was an abomination,
(19:50):
and she, being a church member, thought it her bounden
duty to set a good example by staying away. But
there were so many there, I don't believe Missus Lynde's
absence would ever be noticed. I don't think, though, that
(20:11):
I ought to go very often to horse races because
they are awfully fascinating. Diana got so excited that she
offered to bet me ten cents that the red horse
would win. I didn't believe he would, but I refused
to bet because I wanted to tell Missus Allen all
(20:36):
about everything, and I felt sure it wouldn't do to
tell her that it's always wrong to do anything you
can't tell the minister's wife. It's as good as an
extra conscience to have a minister's wife for your friend.
(20:57):
And I was very glad I didn't bet, because the
red horse did win, and I would have lost ten cents.
So you see that virtue was its own reward. We
saw a man go up in a balloon. I'd love
(21:19):
to go up in a balloon, Marilla, it would be
simply thrilling. And we saw a man selling fortunes. You
paid him ten cents, and a little bird picked out
your fortune for you. Miss Barry gave Diana and me
(21:40):
ten cents each to have our fortunes told. Mine was
that I would marry a dark complexed man who was
very wealthy, and I would go across water to live.
I looked carefully at all the dark men I saw
(22:01):
after that, but I didn't care much for any of them.
And anyhow, I suppose it's too early to be looking
out for him yet. Oh, it was a never to
be forgotten day, Marilla. I was so tired I couldn't
(22:23):
sleep at night. Miss Barry put us in the spare room.
According to promise, it was an elegant room, Marilla. But
somehow sleeping in a spare room isn't what I used
to think it was. That's the worst of growing up,
(22:45):
and I'm beginning to realize it. The things you wanted
so much when you were a child don't seem half
so wonderful when you get them. Thursday, the girls had
a drive in the park, and in the evening Miss
(23:06):
Barry took them to a concert in the Academy of Music,
where a noted Prima Donna was to sing tou Anne.
The evening was a glittering vision of delight. Oh, Marilla,
it was beyond description. I was so excited I couldn't
(23:31):
even talk, so you may know what it was like
I just sat in enraptured silence. Madame Slitski was perfectly
beautiful and wore white satin and diamonds, but when she
began to sing, I never thought about anything else. Oh,
(23:57):
I can't tell you how I felt, but it seemed
to me that it could never be hard to be
good anymore. I felt like I do when I look
up to the stars. Tears came into my eyes, but
(24:18):
oh they were such happy tears. I was so sorry
when it was all over, and I told Miss Barry
I didn't see how I was ever to return to
common life again. She said she thought if we went
(24:38):
over to the restaurant across the street and had an
ice cream, it might help me. That sounded so prosaic,
but to my surprise, I found it true. The ice
cream was delicious, Marilla, and it was so lovely and
(24:59):
discipl to be sitting there eating it at eleven o'clock
at night. Diana said she believed she was born for
city life. Miss Barry asked me what my opinion was,
but I said I would have to think it over
(25:19):
very seriously before I could tell her what I really thought.
So I thought it over after I went to bed.
That is the best time to think things out. And
I came to the conclusion, Marilla, that I wasn't born
(25:40):
for city life, and that I was glad of it.
It's nice to be eating ice cream at brilliant restaurants
at eleven o'clock at night once in a while, but
as a regular thing. I'd rather be in the east
(26:00):
gable at eleven, sound asleep, but kind of knowing even
in my sleep that the stars were shining outside and
that the wind was blowing in the firs across the brook.
I told Miss Barry so at breakfast the next morning,
(26:22):
and she laughed. Miss Barry generally laughed at anything I said,
even when I said the most solemn things. I don't
think I liked it, Marilla, because I wasn't trying to
be funny. But she is a most hospitable lady and
(26:44):
treated us royally. Friday brought going home time, and mister
Barry drove in for the girls. Well, I hope you've
enjoyed yourselves, said Miss Barry as she bade them goodbye.
Indeed we have, said Diana, and you Anne, girl, I've
(27:12):
enjoyed every minute of the time, said Anne, throwing her
arms impulsively about the old woman's neck and kissing her
wrinkled cheek. Diana would never have dared to do such
a thing, and felt rather aghast at Anne's freedom. But
(27:35):
Miss Barry was pleased, and she stood on her verandah
and watched the buggy out of sight. Then she went
back into her big house with a sigh. It seemed
very lonely, lacking those fresh, young lives. Miss Barry was
(27:59):
a rather selfish old lady, if the truth must be told,
and had never cared much for anybody but herself. She
valued people only as they were of service to her
or amused her. Anne had amused her, and consequently stood
(28:21):
high in the old lady's good graces. But Miss Barry
found herself thinking less about Anne's quaint speeches than of
her fresh enthusiasms, her transparent emotions, her little winning ways,
(28:42):
and the sweetness of her eyes and lips. I thought
Marilla Cuthbert was an old fool when I heard she'd
adopted a girl out of an orphan asylum, she said
to herself, But I guess she didn't make much of
(29:03):
a mistake, after all, if eyed a child like Anne
in the house all the time, I'd be a better
and happier woman. Anne and Diana found the drive home
as pleasant as the drive in pleasanter indeed, since there
(29:27):
was the delightful consciousness of home waiting at the end
of it. It was sunset when they passed through white
sands and turned into the shore road. Beyond the Avonlea
Hills came out darkly against the saffron sky behind them.
(29:52):
The moon was rising out of the sea that grew
all radiant and transfigured in light. Every little cove along
the curving road was a marvel of dancing ripples. The
waves broke with a soft swish on the rocks below them,
(30:16):
and the tang of the sea was in the strong
fresh air. Oh but it's good to be alive and
be going home, breathed Anne. When she crossed the log
bridge over the brook, the kitchen light of Green Gables
(30:40):
winked her a friendly welcome back, sending out its warm
red glow athwart the chilly autumn night. Anne ran blithely
up the hill and into the kitchen, where a hot
supper was waiting on the table. So you've got back,
(31:06):
said Marilla, folding up her knitting. Yes and Oh, it's
so good to be back, said Anne joyously. I could
kiss everything, even to the clock. Marilla a broiled chicken.
(31:29):
You don't mean to say you cooked that for me. Yes,
I did, said Marilla. I thought you'd be hungry after
such a drive and need something real appetizing. Hurry and
take off your things and we'll have supper as soon
(31:52):
as Matthew comes in. I'm glad you've got back. I
must say, it's been fearful lonesome here without you, and
I never put in four longer days. After supper, Anne
sat before the fire between Matthew and Marilla and gave
(32:17):
them a full account of her visit. I've had such
a splendid time, she concluded happily, and I feel that
it marks an epoch in my life. But the best
(32:38):
of it all was the coming home.
Good evening and welcome to Rest, your sanctuary for peaceful
sleep and relaxation. Whether you're escaping daily stresses or seeking
a nightly companion, you're in the right place. My name
is Jessica, and I'll be your host this evening. Before
(00:27):
we begin, why don't you turn off your screens and
turn down your volume. Now that's done, let's unwind and
help you ease into a blessed rest. Tonight, we're traveling
(00:57):
to the quiet green fields of print Edward Island, where
a small white house with emerald shutters sits beneath wide
open skies. This is Green Gables. It's here that Anne
Shirley has found her home. Once a lonely orphan with
(01:19):
only her daydreams for company, Anne is now discovering what
it means to belong with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert and
in the little village of Avonlea. Anne is spirited and
full of wonder, with a heart that always seems to
(01:41):
spill over into stories, adventures, and dreams that reach far
beyond the horizon. In tonight's reading, we'll step into a
tender turning point in her life, a chapter filled with hope, imagination,
(02:01):
and the quiet rather unexpected discoveries you make when growing up.
There's no need to follow every word. Simply let the
soft rhythm of the story, the timeless charm of Anne's world,
and the gentle hush of the countryside carry you softly
(02:25):
toward rest. So settle in, let your breath slow, and
allow this beloved classic to be your companion tonight as
you drift off into sleep. Anne was bringing the cows
(02:48):
home from the back pasture by the way of love
Is Lane. It was a September evening, and all the
gaps and clearings in the woods were brimmed up with
ruby sunset light. Here and there the lane was splashed
with it, but for the most part it was already
(03:12):
quite shadowy. Beneath the maples, and the spaces under the
firs were filled with a clear, violet dusk like airy wine.
The winds were out in their tops, and there is
no sweeter music on earth than that which the wind
(03:34):
makes in the fir trees. At evening, the cows swung
placidly down the lane, and Anne followed them, dreamily, repeating
aloud the battle canto from Marmion, which had also been
part of their English course. The preceding winter, and which
(03:57):
Miss Stacy had made them learn of by heart, and
exulting in its rushing lines and the clash of spears
in its imagery. When she came to the lines, the
stubborn spearsmen still made good their dark, impenetrable wood. She stopped,
(04:21):
in ecstasy to shut her eyes, that she might the
better fancy herself one of that heroic ring. When she
opened them again, it was to behold Diana coming through
the gate that led into the barry field, and looking
(04:43):
so important that Anne instantly divined there was news to
be told, But betrayed too eager curiosity, she would not.
Isn't this evening just like purple dream? Diana? It makes
(05:03):
me so glad to be alive in the mornings. I
always think the mornings are best, but when evening comes,
I think it's lovelier. Still, it's a very fine evening,
said Diana. But oh, I have such news, Anne, guess
(05:29):
you can have three guesses. Charlotte Gillis is going to
be married in the church after all, and missus Allen
wants us to decorate it, cried Anne. No, Charlotte's bow
won't agree to that, because nobody ever has been married
(05:50):
in the church yet, and he thinks it would seem
too much like a funeral. It's too mean because it
would be such fun. Guess again, Jane's mother is going
to let her have a birthday party. Diana shook her head,
(06:11):
her black eyes dancing with merriment. I can't think what
it can be, said Anne in despair. Unless it's that
moody spurgeon McPherson saw you home from prayer meeting last night.
Did he I should think not, exclaimed Diana indignantly. I
(06:36):
wouldn't be likely to boast of it if he did,
the horrid creature. I knew you couldn't guess it. Mother
had a letter from Aunt Josephine today, and Aunt Josephine
wants you and me to go to town next Tuesday
and stop with her for the exhibition there. Oh, Diana,
(07:03):
whispered Anne, finding it necessary to lean up against a
maple tree for support. Do you really mean it? But
I'm afraid Marilla won't let me go. She will say
that she can't encourage gadding about. That was what she
said last week when Jane invited me to go with
(07:26):
them in their double seated Buggy to the American concert
at the White Sands Hotel. I wanted to go, but
Marilla said I'd be better at home learning my lessons,
and so would Jane. I was bitterly disappointed, Diana. I
(07:48):
felt so heartbroken that I wouldn't say my prayers when
I went to bed. But I repented of that and
got up in the middle of the night and said them,
I'll tell you, said Diana. We'll get mother to ask Marilla.
(08:08):
She'll be more likely to let you go then, and
if she does, we'll have the time of our lives. Anne,
I've never been to an exhibition, and it's so aggravating
to hear the other girls talking about their trips. Jane
and Ruby have been twice, and they're going this year again.
(08:35):
I'm not going to think about it at all until
I know whether I can go or not, said Anne resolutely.
If I did and then was disappointed, it would be
more than I could bear. But in case I do go,
(08:55):
I'm very glad my new coat will be ready by
that time. Marilla didn't think I needed a new coat.
She said my old one would do very well for
another winter, and that I ought to be satisfied with
having a new dress. The dress is very pretty, Diana
(09:19):
navy blue and made so fashionably. Marilla always makes my
dresses fashionably now because she says she doesn't intend to
have Matthew going to missus Lynde to make them. I'm
so glad. It is ever so much easier to be
(09:42):
good if your clothes are fashionable. At least it is
easier for me. I suppose it doesn't make such a
difference to naturally good people, but Matthew said I must
have a new So Marilla bought a lovely piece of
(10:04):
blue broadcloth, and it's being made by a real dressmaker
over at Carmedy. It's to be done Saturday night. And
I'm trying not to imagine myself walking up the church
aisle on Sunday in my new suit and cap, because
(10:26):
I'm afraid it isn't right to imagine such things, but
it just slips into my mind in spite of me.
My cap is so pretty. Matthew bought it for me
the day we were over at Carmody. It is one
(10:47):
of those little blue velvet ones that are all the rage,
with gold cord and tassels. Your new hat is elegant.
Diana and so becoming. When I saw you come into
church last Sunday, my heart swelled with pride to think
(11:09):
you were my dearest friend. Do you suppose it's wrong
for us to think so much about our clothes? Marilla says,
it is very sinful, But it is such an interesting subject,
isn't it. Marilla agreed to let Anne go to town,
(11:32):
and it was arranged that mister Barry should take the
girls in on the following Tuesday. As Charlottetown was thirty
miles away and mister Barry wished to go and return
the same day, it was necessary to make a very
early start, but Anne counted it all joy and was
(11:58):
up before sunrise on Tuesday morning. A glance from her
window assured her that the day would be fine, for
the eastern sky behind the furs of the Haunted Wood
was all silvery and cloudless. Through the gap in the trees,
(12:20):
a light was shining in the western gable of Orchard Slope,
a token that Diana was also up. Anne was dressed
by the time Matthew had the fire on and had
the breakfast ready when Marilla came down, but for her
(12:41):
own part was much too excited to eat. After breakfast,
the jaunty new cap and jacket were donned, and Anne
hastened over the brook and up through the furs to
Orchard Slope to Barry and Diana were waiting for her,
(13:04):
and they were soon on the road. It was a
long drive, but Anne and Diana enjoyed every minute of it.
It was delightful to rattle along over the moist roads
in the early red sunlight that was creeping across the
(13:27):
shorn harvest fields. The air was fresh and crisp, and
little smoke blue mists curled through the valleys and floated
off from the hills. Sometimes the road went through woods
(13:47):
where maples were beginning to hang out scarlet banners. Sometimes
it crossed rivers on bridges that made Anne's flesh cringe
with the old half delightful fear. Sometimes it wound along
a harbor shore and passed by a little cluster of
(14:12):
weather gray fishing huts. Again it mounted to hills, whence
a far sweep of curving upland or misty blue sky
could be seen. But wherever it went there was much
of interest to discuss. It was almost noon when they
(14:37):
reached town and found their way to Beechwood. It was
quite a fine old mansion, set back from the street
in a seclusion of green elms and branching beaches. Miss
Barry met them at the door with a twinkle in
(15:00):
her sharp black eyes. So you've come to see me
at last, you, Anne girl, she said, Marcy child, how
you have grown. You're taller than I am, I declare,
and you're ever so much better looking than you used
(15:21):
to be, too. But I dare say you know that
without being told. Indeed I didn't, said Anne radiantly. I
know I'm not so freckled as I used to be,
so I've much to be thankful for. But I really
(15:42):
hadn't dared to hope that there was any other improvement.
I'm so glad you think there is, Miss Barry. Miss
Barry's house was furnished with great magnificence, As Anne told
Marilla afterwards, The two little country girls were rather abashed
(16:05):
by the splendor of the parlor where Miss Barry left
them when she went to sea about dinner. Isn't it
just like a palace, whispered Diana. I never was in
Aunt Josephine's house before, and I'd no idea it was
(16:26):
so grand. I just wish Julia Bell could see this.
She puts on such airs about her mother's parlor. Velvet
carpet sighed Anne luxuriously, and silk curtains. I've dreamed of
(16:47):
such things, Diana, But do you know, I don't believe
I feel very comfortable with them. After all, there are
so many things in this room, and all so splendid
that there is no scope for imagination. That is one
(17:07):
consolation when you are poor. There are so many more
things you can imagine about. They're sojourn Into Town was
something that Anne and Diana dated from for years, from
first to last. It was crowded with delights. On Wednesday,
(17:33):
Miss Barry took them to the exhibition grounds and kept
them there all day. It was splendid, and related to
Marilla later on, I never imagined anything so interesting. I
don't really know which department was the most interesting. I
(17:59):
think I like the horses and the flowers and the
fancy work best. Josie Pye took first prize for knitted lace.
I was real glad she did, and I was glad
that I felt glad for it. Shows I'm improving, don't
(18:20):
you think, Marilla? When I can rejoice in Josie's success.
Mister Harmon Andrews took second prize for Gravenstein apples, and
mister Bell took first prize for a pig. Diana said
she thought it was ridiculous for a Sunday school superintendent
(18:44):
to take a prize in pigs. But I don't see why,
do you? She said she would always think of it
after this, when he was praying so solemnly. Clara Louise
Mauk Fearsome took a prize for painting, and missus Lynde
(19:04):
got first prize for homemade butter and cheese. So Avonlea
was pretty well represented, wasn't it. Missus Lynde was there
that day, and I never knew how much I really
liked her until I saw her familiar face among all
(19:25):
those strangers. There were thousands of people there, Marilla. It
made me feel dreadfully insignificant. And Miss Barry took us
up to the grand stand to see the horse races.
Missus Lynde wouldn't go. She said horse racing was an abomination,
(19:50):
and she, being a church member, thought it her bounden
duty to set a good example by staying away. But
there were so many there, I don't believe Missus Lynde's
absence would ever be noticed. I don't think, though, that
(20:11):
I ought to go very often to horse races because
they are awfully fascinating. Diana got so excited that she
offered to bet me ten cents that the red horse
would win. I didn't believe he would, but I refused
to bet because I wanted to tell Missus Allen all
(20:36):
about everything, and I felt sure it wouldn't do to
tell her that it's always wrong to do anything you
can't tell the minister's wife. It's as good as an
extra conscience to have a minister's wife for your friend.
(20:57):
And I was very glad I didn't bet, because the
red horse did win, and I would have lost ten cents.
So you see that virtue was its own reward. We
saw a man go up in a balloon. I'd love
(21:19):
to go up in a balloon, Marilla, it would be
simply thrilling. And we saw a man selling fortunes. You
paid him ten cents, and a little bird picked out
your fortune for you. Miss Barry gave Diana and me
(21:40):
ten cents each to have our fortunes told. Mine was
that I would marry a dark complexed man who was
very wealthy, and I would go across water to live.
I looked carefully at all the dark men I saw
(22:01):
after that, but I didn't care much for any of them.
And anyhow, I suppose it's too early to be looking
out for him yet. Oh, it was a never to
be forgotten day, Marilla. I was so tired I couldn't
(22:23):
sleep at night. Miss Barry put us in the spare room.
According to promise, it was an elegant room, Marilla. But
somehow sleeping in a spare room isn't what I used
to think it was. That's the worst of growing up,
(22:45):
and I'm beginning to realize it. The things you wanted
so much when you were a child don't seem half
so wonderful when you get them. Thursday, the girls had
a drive in the park, and in the evening Miss
(23:06):
Barry took them to a concert in the Academy of Music,
where a noted Prima Donna was to sing tou Anne.
The evening was a glittering vision of delight. Oh, Marilla,
it was beyond description. I was so excited I couldn't
(23:31):
even talk, so you may know what it was like
I just sat in enraptured silence. Madame Slitski was perfectly
beautiful and wore white satin and diamonds, but when she
began to sing, I never thought about anything else. Oh,
(23:57):
I can't tell you how I felt, but it seemed
to me that it could never be hard to be
good anymore. I felt like I do when I look
up to the stars. Tears came into my eyes, but
(24:18):
oh they were such happy tears. I was so sorry
when it was all over, and I told Miss Barry
I didn't see how I was ever to return to
common life again. She said she thought if we went
(24:38):
over to the restaurant across the street and had an
ice cream, it might help me. That sounded so prosaic,
but to my surprise, I found it true. The ice
cream was delicious, Marilla, and it was so lovely and
(24:59):
discipl to be sitting there eating it at eleven o'clock
at night. Diana said she believed she was born for
city life. Miss Barry asked me what my opinion was,
but I said I would have to think it over
(25:19):
very seriously before I could tell her what I really thought.
So I thought it over after I went to bed.
That is the best time to think things out. And
I came to the conclusion, Marilla, that I wasn't born
(25:40):
for city life, and that I was glad of it.
It's nice to be eating ice cream at brilliant restaurants
at eleven o'clock at night once in a while, but
as a regular thing. I'd rather be in the east
(26:00):
gable at eleven, sound asleep, but kind of knowing even
in my sleep that the stars were shining outside and
that the wind was blowing in the firs across the brook.
I told Miss Barry so at breakfast the next morning,
(26:22):
and she laughed. Miss Barry generally laughed at anything I said,
even when I said the most solemn things. I don't
think I liked it, Marilla, because I wasn't trying to
be funny. But she is a most hospitable lady and
(26:44):
treated us royally. Friday brought going home time, and mister
Barry drove in for the girls. Well, I hope you've
enjoyed yourselves, said Miss Barry as she bade them goodbye.
Indeed we have, said Diana, and you Anne, girl, I've
(27:12):
enjoyed every minute of the time, said Anne, throwing her
arms impulsively about the old woman's neck and kissing her
wrinkled cheek. Diana would never have dared to do such
a thing, and felt rather aghast at Anne's freedom. But
(27:35):
Miss Barry was pleased, and she stood on her verandah
and watched the buggy out of sight. Then she went
back into her big house with a sigh. It seemed
very lonely, lacking those fresh, young lives. Miss Barry was
(27:59):
a rather selfish old lady, if the truth must be told,
and had never cared much for anybody but herself. She
valued people only as they were of service to her
or amused her. Anne had amused her, and consequently stood
(28:21):
high in the old lady's good graces. But Miss Barry
found herself thinking less about Anne's quaint speeches than of
her fresh enthusiasms, her transparent emotions, her little winning ways,
(28:42):
and the sweetness of her eyes and lips. I thought
Marilla Cuthbert was an old fool when I heard she'd
adopted a girl out of an orphan asylum, she said
to herself, But I guess she didn't make much of
(29:03):
a mistake, after all, if eyed a child like Anne
in the house all the time, I'd be a better
and happier woman. Anne and Diana found the drive home
as pleasant as the drive in pleasanter indeed, since there
(29:27):
was the delightful consciousness of home waiting at the end
of it. It was sunset when they passed through white
sands and turned into the shore road. Beyond the Avonlea
Hills came out darkly against the saffron sky behind them.
(29:52):
The moon was rising out of the sea that grew
all radiant and transfigured in light. Every little cove along
the curving road was a marvel of dancing ripples. The
waves broke with a soft swish on the rocks below them,
(30:16):
and the tang of the sea was in the strong
fresh air. Oh but it's good to be alive and
be going home, breathed Anne. When she crossed the log
bridge over the brook, the kitchen light of Green Gables
(30:40):
winked her a friendly welcome back, sending out its warm
red glow athwart the chilly autumn night. Anne ran blithely
up the hill and into the kitchen, where a hot
supper was waiting on the table. So you've got back,
(31:06):
said Marilla, folding up her knitting. Yes and Oh, it's
so good to be back, said Anne joyously. I could
kiss everything, even to the clock. Marilla a broiled chicken.
(31:29):
You don't mean to say you cooked that for me. Yes,
I did, said Marilla. I thought you'd be hungry after
such a drive and need something real appetizing. Hurry and
take off your things and we'll have supper as soon
(31:52):
as Matthew comes in. I'm glad you've got back. I
must say, it's been fearful lonesome here without you, and
I never put in four longer days. After supper, Anne
sat before the fire between Matthew and Marilla and gave
(32:17):
them a full account of her visit. I've had such
a splendid time, she concluded happily, and I feel that
it marks an epoch in my life. But the best
(32:38):
of it all was the coming home.
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