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But the former under-stood in dismay that Anne was actually enjoying her valley of humiliation-was reveling in the thoroughness of her abasement.

Where was the wholesome punishment upon which she, Marilla, had plumed herself? Anne had turned it into a species of positive pleasure.

Good Mrs. Lynde, not being overburdened with perception, did not see this. She only perceived that Anne had made a very thorough apology and all resentment vanished from her kindly, if somewhat officious, heart.

"There, there, get up, child," she said heartily.

"Of course I forgive you.

I guess I was a little too hard on you, anyway.

But I'm such an outspoken person.

You just mustn't mind me, that's what.

It can't be denied your hair is terrible red; but I knew a girl once-went to school with her, in fact-whose hair was every mite as red as yours when she was young, but when she grew up it darkened to a real handsome auburn.

I wouldn't be a mite surprised if yours did, too-not a mite."

"Oh, Mrs. Lynde!" Anne drew a long breath as she rose to her feet.

"You have given me a hope.

I shall always feel that you are a benefactor.

Oh, I could endure anything if I only thought my hair would be a handsome auburn when I grew up.

It would be so much easier to be good if one's hair was a handsome auburn, don't you think? And now may I go out into your garden and sit on that bench under the apple-trees while you and Marilla are talking? There is so much more scope for imagination out there."

"Laws, yes, run along, child. And you can pick a bouquet of them white June lilies over in the corner if you like."

As the door closed behind Anne Mrs. Lynde got briskly up to light a lamp.

"She's a real odd little thing.

Take this chair, Marilla; it's easier than the one you've got; I just keep that for the hired boy to sit on.

Yes, she certainly is an odd child, but there is something kind of taking about her after all.

I don't feel so surprised at you and Matthew keeping her as I did-nor so sorry for you, either.

She may turn out all right.

Of course, she has a queer way of expressing herself-a little too-well, too kind of forcible, you know; but she'll likely get over that now that she's come to live among civilized folks.

And then, her temper's pretty quick, I guess; but there's one comfort, a child that has a quick temper, just blaze up and cool down, ain't never likely to be sly or deceitful.

Preserve me from a sly child, that's what.

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