Энн из Зеленых Крыш. Уровень 1 / Anne of Green Gables

Blewett?”

"I suppose, yes,” said Mrs. Blewett ungraciously.

During Marilla's speech a sunrise dawned on Anne's face. First the look of despair faded out; then came a faint flush of hope. A moment later, when Mrs. Spencer and Mrs. Blewett went out she sprang up and flew across the room to Marilla.

"Oh, Miss Cuthbert, do you really say that perhaps you will let me stay at Green Gables?” she said, in a breathless whisper. "Did you really say it? Or did I only imagine that you did?”

"I think you must control that imagination of yours, Anne,” said Marilla crossly.

"Yes, I said that and no more. But perhaps we will conclude to let Mrs. Blewett take you after all. She certainly needs you much more than I do.”

"I'll rather go back to the asylum than go to live with her,” said Anne passionately. "She looks exactly like a gimlet!”

"Go back and sit down quietly and hold your tongue,” Marilla said severely.

"I'll do that, if you only keep me!” said Anne.

When they arrived back at Green Gables that evening Matthew met them in the lane.

Anne went upstairs. Marilla told Matthew everything.

"I won't give a dog to that Blewett,” said Matthew with unusual energy.

"I don't like her myself,” admitted Marilla, "but what about this girl? I never brought up a child, especially a girl but I'll do my best. So, Matthew, she may stay.”

Matthew's shy face smiled.

"Marilla,” he said, "she's such an interesting person.”

"Is she a useful person though?” asked Marilla.

"Matthew, perhaps an old maid doesn't know much about children, but I guess she knows more than an old bachelor. So you just leave me to manage her.”

Chapter VII

Anne Learns a Prayer

"Well,” said Marilla to Anne, "Matthew and I will keep you – that is, if you try to be a good little girl and show yourself grateful. Why do you cry, child?”

"I don't know why,” said Anne in a tone of bewilderment. "I'm glad! Oh, it's something more than glad. I'm so happy! I'll try to be very good!”

"Sit down on that chair and try to calm yourself,” said Marilla disapprovingly.

"Yes, you can stay here. You must go to school, when it opens again in September.”

"What will I call you?” asked Anne. "Shall I always say Miss Cuthbert? Can I call you Aunt Marilla?”

"No; you'll call me just plain Marilla. Not Miss Cuthbert, it will make me nervous.”

"It sounds awfully disrespectful to just say Marilla,” protested Anne.