Chapter 17 Around Another Bend Spring rolled on and soon it was summer.
It was on a warm day in June when Mr. Thomas Lynde died.
As soon as Marilla heard, she rushed to be with her friend.
Anne took care of life at Green Gables while Marilla took care of Mrs. Lynde.
After the funeral, Marilla sat in her kitchen.
She was in deep thought.
Anne waited patiently.
She knew that Marilla would speak in her own time.
"'I suppose that Gilbert Blythe is going to college this fall,' Marilla finally said.
"'I suppose you would like to go to college, too.'
Anne looked at Marilla confused.
"'Yes,' she said.
"'But how could we afford to send me?'
You still need help around the house and with the twins.
Your eyesight is still poor.
I've been talking to Rachel, Marilla said.
Money will be tight for her without Thomas.
Won't her children help her out, Anne said.
They all have their own families and some live far away, Marilla said.
She'll have to sell the farm.
Rachel and I thought it might be best if she moved here.
She could pay me rent, which could pay for your college.
And also she said she could help around the house and with the twins.
Anne thought about this for a moment.
She had always wanted to go to college.
Now that it was suddenly before her, she could scarcely believe it.
Really, Marilla, she asked, would it really be possible?
I've thought it through many times, Marilla said.
We can do it.
I've always felt guilty that you gave up college on my account.
Marilla, Anne said.
I didn't mind staying home.
Not really.
I've been very happy teaching these past two years.
I know that you'd never complain.
Marilla said kindly, but I've always felt you should be in college.
I'm glad that you'll finally be able to go.
Would you like to, Anne?
Marilla, Anne said slowly.
I feel, I feel as if, I feel as if someone has just handed me the moon.
That night, Anne lay in her bed thinking. was going to be hard leaving Avonlea.
She was very fond of her pupils.
It would be especially hard saying goodbye to Paul Irving.
They had grown so close over the last two years.
However, going to college was an opportunity that Anne could not pass up.
She handed in her resignation the very next day.
Most people were sad to hear that Anne was leaving.
Only Gilbert reacted with pure excitement.
They would now be going to college together.
Diana was much less enthusiastic.
It's going to be very lonely here next winter, she sulked.
What will I do without you?
You still have the Improvement Society, Anne said.
You and Fred Wright could continue with that good work.
She was trying to cheer her dear friend up.
I'm certain the society will fall to pieces with you and Gilbert gone.
Diana said
Don't be silly, Anne said.
It's too well established.
You don't have to convince people to help out anymore.
Everyone can see how important it is.
Also, I wondered if you could do me a favor, Anne went on.
Would you mind visiting Matthew's grave?
I leave flowers there every week.
Of course, Diana said.
Anne leaned back against a tree.
"'I feel like I'm heading off on the greatest adventure of all,' she said.
"'You'll meet so many clever people,' Diana said sadly.
"'I'm sure you'll forget about us.'
"'I do hope that I make many new friends,' Anne said.
"'But new friends will never replace old ones, especially you, Diana.'
You were my first kindred spirit.
Anne, Diana said, I have a very serious question for you.
Do you have any feelings for Gilbert?
I think of him very fondly as a friend, Anne said.
But I don't think of him as a boyfriend.
I don't love him in that way.
Diana sighed.
Don't you ever wish to be married?
Perhaps, Anne said.
She looked dreamily toward the moon.
Perhaps someday when I meet the right man?
How will you know you've found the right man?
Diana asked.
I'll simply know, Anne said.
I decided that a long time ago, and I'll know when I see him.
Anne.
Ideals change, Diana said.
Mine don't, Anne said, matter-of-factly.
But what if you never find your ideal?
Diana asked.
Then I'll remain alone, Anne said.
That is hardly a terrible fate.
Miss Lewis certainly is a good example, Diana replied.
Oh, Diana, Anne exclaimed.
She took hold of her dear friend's hand.
I want you to remember one important thing.
No one will ever mean as much to me as you.
You were my first real friend and welcomed me to Avonlea.
Nothing could ever replace that.
The girls hugged tightly.
They both knew there was no replacing a kindred spirit.
