Chapter 5 Anne and Gilbert Make Plans.
October on Prince Edward Island was one of Anne's favorite times of the year.
The weather was still warm and leaves were starting to turn their fall colors.
Anne was always happy to take long walks over the red dust roads in this weather.
Quite often a soft wind over the sand dunes brought with it the smell of the sea.
On one such Saturday afternoon, she and Diana were walking along the road.
They were going door to door to raise enough money for the Avonlea Village Improvement Society to paint the community hall.
The two girls weren't having much luck, though.
Most people were not interested.
They bid the girls farewell before they could even finish their opening speech.
Mrs Sloan was angry because she thought the Improvement Society wanted to rip up roadsides and plant flowers.
This seemed rather pointless to her.
Miss Eliza Andrews thought trying to improve the village was a waste of time.
Mr and Mrs Fletcher refused even to answer the door, although Anne had seen them on the porch a moment earlier.
Some people used their visit as an excuse to complain about other people.
Mr. Wright wanted the society to tell Mr. Sloan to keep his beard trimmed.
Mr Spencer said he would give money to the society if someone finally kept the church walk shoveled in the winter.
Anne decided to try one more house.
She stopped by Mr Harrison's to ask for his support and found him enjoying the sunset with Ginger at his side.
Since the day of her confession, Anne had often visited Mr. Harrison.
She felt certain that he would show his support with a small donation.
I'm sorry, Anne, he said.
I think your society is a fine idea, but I'm not one for donating.
Anne sighed.
I'll be honest, she said.
If I have another day as discouraging as this one, I'll start to believe Miss Eliza Andrews is right.
The next day, Anne was sitting at the kitchen table, surrounded by papers.
She was lost in thought and did not hear Gilbert at the open door.
What's the matter? he asked.
You look worried.
Anne smiled at Gilbert.
She waved her hand to indicate that he should come inside.
I'm just reviewing my year so far, she said.
I just don't know if I'm succeeding.
Am I reaching all of my students?
Anne, Gilbert said gently, you're too hard on yourself.
You're a wonderful teacher, and all your students adore you.
Not all, Anne replied.
Anthony Pye still doesn't respect me.
He doesn't misbehave any more than the others, but he often sneers at me.
The trouble is, I know he's a nice boy deep down.
I think he's had a hard life, Gilbert said.
Maybe he'll come around.
Maybe, Anne said.
At least there is one student I'm very happy about.
Paul Irving.
Does seem like a nice young man, Gilbert agreed.
He always enjoyed watching Anne when she was excited.
Her gray eyes lit up so brightly.
I think he may be a genius, she said.
I'm sure he will grow into something great.
Anne put the kettle on for tea.
And how was your time at White Sands, she asked.
I enjoy teaching, Gilbert said.
The truth is, I find that I'm learning more now than when I was a student.
I realize more and more how much I want to help people.
Teaching is a great way to do that, Anne said.
I want to do more, Gilbert said.
I want to fight disease, pain, and ignorance.
I want to go back to college and become a doctor.
A doctor, Anne exclaimed.
How wonderful.
Do you really think so?
Gilbert asked.
He was so glad that Anne was happy about the news.
Your opinion does mean a lot to me, you know.
Anne blushed slightly and turned her head away.
You will make a great doctor, she said.
Then turning back to Gilbert with a smile, she added, I can't imagine anyone better for the job.
Anne and Gilbert continued to talk about their plans for the future.
What they hoped to do in ten years.
All the things they wanted to accomplish.
They were so lost in conversation that they didn't notice the time.
Oh, my goodness, Anne suddenly exclaimed.
It's almost dinner time.
Marilla will be home soon.
She was visiting her sick cousin again.
I'm sure she will be exhausted from her trip.
I should be getting home, too, Gilbert said.
My mother will not be pleased if I'm late for dinner.
Gilbert was only gone a few minutes when Marilla walked in the kitchen.
Anne was still scrambling to make dinner.
Oh, Marilla, she said, you're early.
I'll have food on the table shortly.
Do you want me to make you some tea?
Marilla sat down with a deep sigh.
Don't worry about me, Anne, she said.
I'm really not very hungry.
Anne noticed how tired Marilla looked.
Is everything all right, she asked.
I'm afraid not.
My cousin Mary has died, Marilla said.
Anne gasped.
That is such awful news, she said.
What will happen with her twins?
They're with their minister right now, but they can't stay for long.
And Mary's brother, Anne asked, has anyone heard from him?
He's getting married in the new year and can't take the twins before then, Marilla said.
It would be so sad if they were sent to an orphanage until then, Anne said.
Even after all these years, I still remember life in an orphanage.
I always felt so lonely.
Marilla sat quietly for a few minutes, then looked at Anne.
Without saying a word, Anne understood.
You're going to bring the twins here, aren't you?
Anne asked.
Just until their uncle can take them next spring, she said.
Marilla, Anne exclaimed, honestly.
I think that is a perfectly wonderful and splendid idea.
