world that I can t understand very well, Matthew.
Well now, I dunno as I comprehend them all myself, acknowledged
Matthew.
Well, I suppose I must finish up my lessons. I won t allow myself to
open that new book Jane lent me until I m through. But it s a terrible
temptation, Matthew. Even when I turn my back on it I can see it there
just as plain. Jane said she cried herself sick over it. I love a book
that makes me cry. But I think I ll carry that book into the sitting
room and lock it in the jam closet and give you the key. And you must
_not_ give it to me, Matthew, until my lessons are done, not even if
I implore you on my bended knees. It s all very well to say resist
temptation, but it s ever so much easier to resist it if you can t get
the key. And then shall I run down the cellar and get some russets,
Matthew? Wouldn t you like some russets?
Well now, I dunno but what I would, said Matthew, who never ate
russets but knew Anne s weakness for them.
Just as Anne emerged triumphantly from the cellar with her plateful of
russets came the sound of flying footsteps on the icy board walk outside
and the next moment the kitchen door was flung open and in rushed Diana
Barry, white faced and breathless, with a shawl wrapped hastily around
her head. Anne promptly let go of her candle and plate in her surprise,
and plate, candle, and apples crashed together down the cellar ladder
and were found at the bottom embedded in melted grease, the next day,
by Marilla, who gathered them up and thanked mercy the house hadn t been
set on fire.
Whatever is the matter, Diana? cried Anne. Has your mother relented
at last?
Oh, Anne, do come quick, implored Diana nervously. Minnie May is
awful sick--she s got croup. Young Mary Joe says--and Father and Mother
are away to town and there s nobody to go for the doctor. Minnie May is
awful bad and Young Mary Joe doesn t know what to do--and oh, Anne, I m
so scared!
Matthew, without a word, reached out for cap and coat, slipped past
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