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"Two o'clock-but isn't it splendid about the picnic, Marilla? Please can I go? Oh, I've never been to a picnic-I've dreamed of picnics, but I've never-"

"Yes, I told you to come at two o'clock. And it's a quarter to three. I'd like to know why you didn't obey me, Anne."

"Why, I meant to, Marilla, as much as could be. But you have no idea how fascinating Idlewild is. And then, of course, I had to tell Matthew about the picnic. Matthew is such a sympathetic listener. Please can I go?"

"You'll have to learn to resist the fascination of Idle-whatever-you-call-it.

When I tell you to come in at a certain time I mean that time and not half an hour later.

And you needn't stop to discourse with sympathetic listeners on your way, either.

As for the picnic, of course you can go.

You're a Sunday-school scholar, and it's not likely I'd refuse to let you go when all the other little girls are going."

"But-but," faltered Anne, "Diana says that everybody must take a basket of things to eat.

I can't cook, as you know, Marilla, and-and-I don't mind going to a picnic without puffed sleeves so much, but I'd feel terribly humiliated if I had to go without a basket.

It's been preying on my mind ever since Diana told me."

"Well, it needn't prey any longer. I'll bake you a basket."

"Oh, you dear good Marilla. Oh, you are so kind to me. Oh, I'm so much obliged to you."

Getting through with her "ohs" Anne cast herself into Marilla's arms and rapturously kissed her sallow cheek.

It was the first time in her whole life that childish lips had voluntarily touched Marilla's face.

Again that sudden sensation of startling sweetness thrilled her.

She was secretly vastly pleased at Anne's impulsive caress, which was probably the reason why she said brusquely:

"There, there, never mind your kissing nonsense.

I'd sooner see you doing strictly as you're told.

As for cooking, I mean to begin giving you lessons in that some of these days.

But you're so featherbrained, Anne, I've been waiting to see if you'd sober down a little and learn to be steady before I begin.

You've got to keep your wits about you in cooking and not stop in the middle of things to let your thoughts rove all over creation.

Now, get out your patchwork and have your square done before teatime."

"I do NOT like patchwork," said Anne dolefully, hunting out her workbasket and sitting down before a little heap of red and white diamonds with a sigh.

"I think some kinds of sewing would be nice; but there's no scope for imagination in patchwork.

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