Yes. I ve got my patchwork scissors in my apron pocket fortunately,
said Anne. She solemnly clipped one of Diana s curls. Fare thee well,
my beloved friend. Henceforth we must be as strangers though living side
by side. But my heart will ever be faithful to thee.
Anne stood and watched Diana out of sight, mournfully waving her hand
to the latter whenever she turned to look back. Then she returned to
the house, not a little consoled for the time being by this romantic
parting.
It is all over, she informed Marilla. I shall never have another
friend. I m really worse off than ever before, for I haven t Katie
Maurice and Violetta now. And even if I had it wouldn t be the same.
Somehow, little dream girls are not satisfying after a real friend.
Diana and I had such an affecting farewell down by the spring. It will
be sacred in my memory forever. I used the most pathetic language I
could think of and said thou and thee. Thou and thee seem so
much more romantic than you. Diana gave me a lock of her hair and I m
going to sew it up in a little bag and wear it around my neck all my
life. Please see that it is buried with me, for I don t believe I ll
live very long. Perhaps when she sees me lying cold and dead before her
Mrs. Barry may feel remorse for what she has done and will let Diana
come to my funeral.
I don t think there is much fear of your dying of grief as long as you
can talk, Anne, said Marilla unsympathetically.
The following Monday Anne surprised Marilla by coming down from her room
with her basket of books on her arm and hip and her lips primmed up into
a line of determination.
I m going back to school, she announced. That is all there is left
in life for me, now that my friend has been ruthlessly torn from me. In
school I can look at her and muse over days departed.
You d better muse over your lessons and sums, said Marilla, concealing
her delight at this development of the situation. If you re going back
to school I hope we ll hear no more of breaking slates over people s
heads and such carryings on. Behave yourself and do just what your
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