Well now, I m much obliged, said Matthew, and--and--I dunno--but I d
like--I think they make the sleeves different nowadays to what they used
to be. If it wouldn t be asking too much I--I d like them made in the
new way.
Puffs? Of course. You needn t worry a speck more about it, Matthew.
I ll make it up in the very latest fashion, said Mrs. Lynde. To herself
she added when Matthew had gone:
It ll be a real satisfaction to see that poor child wearing something
decent for once. The way Marilla dresses her is positively ridiculous,
that s what, and I ve ached to tell her so plainly a dozen times. I ve
held my tongue though, for I can see Marilla doesn t want advice and she
thinks she knows more about bringing children up than I do for all
she s an old maid. But that s always the way. Folks that has brought up
children know that there s no hard and fast method in the world that ll
suit every child. But them as never have think it s all as plain and
easy as Rule of Three--just set your three terms down so fashion, and
the sum ll work out correct. But flesh and blood don t come under the
head of arithmetic and that s where Marilla Cuthbert makes her mistake.
I suppose she s trying to cultivate a spirit of humility in Anne by
dressing her as she does; but it s more likely to cultivate envy and
discontent. I m sure the child must feel the difference between her
clothes and the other girls . But to think of Matthew taking notice of
it! That man is waking up after being asleep for over sixty years.
Marilla knew all the following fortnight that Matthew had something on
his mind, but what it was she could not guess, until Christmas Eve, when
Mrs. Lynde brought up the new dress. Marilla behaved pretty well on the
whole, although it is very likely she distrusted Mrs. Lynde s diplomatic
explanation that she had made the dress because Matthew was afraid Anne
would find out about it too soon if Marilla made it.
So this is what Matthew has been looking so mysterious over and
grinning about to himself for two weeks, is it? she said a little
stiffly but tolerantly. I knew he was up to some foolishness. Well, I
must say I don t think Anne needed any more dresses. I made her three
good, warm, serviceable ones this fall, and anything more is sheer
extravagance. There s enough material in those sleeves alone to make a
waist, I declare there is. You ll just pamper Anne s vanity, Matthew,
177