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 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. 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.
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 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--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 Mrs. Lynde to make them. I m so glad. It is ever so
much easier to be 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 coat, so Marilla
bought a lovely piece of blue broadcloth, and it s being made by a real
dressmaker over at Carmody. 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 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 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 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, and it was arranged that
Mr. Barry should take the girls in on the following Tuesday. As
Charlottetown was thirty miles away and Mr. Barry wished to go and
return the same day, it was necessary to make a very early start. But
204