Chapter 18 The Prince Comes Back The last day of school finally arrived.
The children, even some of the boys, although they denied it, cried while saying goodbye.
Anne felt sad that she was closing this chapter of her life.
She loved teaching.
It would be hard not seeing these bright faces every day.
For the first two weeks of July, Anne stayed at Echo Lodge.
It was a wonderful vacation.
Anne brought Miss Lewis into town a few times.
She even convinced her friend to buy material and pattern for a new dress.
I feel almost shameful, Miss Lewis said.
A new dress gives me such joy.
Does that make me vain?
I would hardly think that could be possible, Anne laughed.
You are far too generous a woman to be called vain.
Midway through her visit to Echo Lodge, Anne went home to Green Gables.
She wanted to make sure everything was well with Marilla and the twins.
On her way back to Miss Lewis's, Anne stopped in to see Paul.
She had barely stepped into the yard when Paul flew out to greet her.
Teacher, he called.
You'll never believe it.
My father has come home for a visit.
He arrived this morning.
Can you believe it?
He took Anne inside.
Father, he said, this is my teacher, Miss Shirley.
I've told you all about her in my letters.
Stephen Irving stepped forward and shook Anne's hand.
He was a handsome, distinguished-looking man.
He had gray hair and a wide, friendly smile.
It's a pleasure to meet you, he said.
Paul talked about little else in his letters.
They were all about his beautiful teacher, Miss Shirley.
It's wonderful to finally meet you, too, Anne said.
It was a real surprise when father arrived, Paul said.
He sat down between his father and Anne.
No one expected him. and I was surprised by how big my boy is, Mr. Irving said.
He looks twice the size he was when I last saw him.
The three talked for a while until Paul was called away by his grandmother.
She needed some help in the kitchen.
Anne and Mr. Irving continued to talk, but Anne could tell he was thinking about something else.
Finally, he spoke.
In Paul's last letter, Mr. Irving said, he mentioned visiting an old friend of mine.
Do you know Miss Lavender Lewis well?
Miss Lewis and I are very good friends, Anne said.
As a matter of fact, I'm staying at Echo Lodge right now.
I wonder how much you know about Miss Lewis's and my friendship, Mr. Irving said.
Miss Lewis told me all about it, Anne said.
We are close enough to tell each other secrets.
It's not something she would have told everybody.
Mr. Irving nodded.
I wonder if I could ask a favor of you.
Of course, Anne replied.
I would like to visit Miss Lewis, he said.
Do you think I could stop by tomorrow?
Will you ask her if I may come?
Anne promised that she would ask as soon as she returned to Echo Lodge.
It was a strange moment for Anne.
She was not sure how to open the topic of conversation with Miss Lewis.
Finally, she took a deep breath and let it out.
Miss Lewis, she said, I have something very important to tell you.
Can you guess what it is?
Miss Lewis stared at her friend.
Suddenly, her face became very pale.
Stephen Irving has come home, hasn't he?
How did you know that?
Anne said.
It was the way you spoke, Miss Lewis said.
I just knew.
He wants to come see you tomorrow, Anne said.
She was so excited that she could barely contain herself.
Well, of course, Miss Lewis said.
She looked out a window to disguise her emotions.
He's only coming as an old friend.
There's no reason why he shouldn't stop by.
Anne had a different opinion on the matter, but she kept her thoughts to herself.
The next day, Anne was sitting on the front porch when Stephen Irving arrived.
This is one place where time stands still, he said.
Not a thing has changed in twenty-five years.
It makes Yes, Anne said, but the prince has returned.
Things are bound to change now.
Mr. Irving looked slightly sad.
Sometimes the prince arrives too late.
Anne led Mr. Irving inside.
She took him to Miss Lewis in the parlor and closed the door after him.
She and Carlotta went out to sit in the garden while Miss Lewis and Mr. Irving talked on their own.
About an hour later, Anne noticed the front door opening.
Oh no, she thought.
This is too soon.
If he leaves now, he'll never come back.
Mr. Irving had no intention of leaving, though.
Miss Lewis joined him on the front porch, and the two walked through the garden, arm in arm.
Anne was so excited that she grabbed Carlotta by the waist, and The two young women danced in circles.
It's all so wonderful, Anne said.
I can promise you, Carlotta, there'll be a wedding at the stone cottage before fall.
