Chapter XXIX - Page 2

afraid
Marilla won't let me go. She will say that she can't encourage
gadding about. That was what she said last week when Jane invited
me to go with them in their double-seated buggy to the American
concert at the White Sands Hotel. I wanted to go, but Marilla
said I'd be better at home learning my lessons and so would Jane.
I was bitterly disappointed, Diana. I felt so heartbroken that
I wouldn't say my prayers when I went to bed. But I repented of
that and got up in the middle of the night and said them."

"I'll tell you," said Diana, "we'll get Mother to ask Marilla.
She'll be more likely to let you go then; and if she does we'll
have the time of our lives, Anne. I've never been to an
Exhibition, and it's so aggravating to hear the other girls
talking about their trips. Jane and Ruby have been twice, and
they're going this year again."

"I'm not going to think about it at all until I know whether I
can go or not," said Anne resolutely. "If I did and then was
disappointed, it would be more than I could bear. But in case I
do go I'm very glad my new coat will be ready by that time.
Marilla didn't think I needed a new coat. She said my old one
would do very well for another winter and that I ought to be
satisfied with having a new dress. The dress is very pretty,
Diana--navy blue and made so fashionably. Marilla always makes
my dresses fashionably now, because she says she doesn't intend
to have Matthew going to Mrs. Lynde to make them. I'm so glad.
It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are
fashionable. At least, it is easier for me. I suppose it
doesn't make such a difference to naturally good people. But
Matthew said I must have a new coat, so Marilla bought a lovely
piece of blue broadcloth, and it's being made by a real
dressmaker over at Carmody. It's to be done Saturday night, and
I'm trying not to imagine myself walking up the church aisle on
Sunday in my new suit and cap, because I'm afraid it isn't right
to imagine such things. But it just slips into my mind in spite
of me. My cap is so pretty. Matthew bought it for me the day we
were over at Carmody. It is one of those little blue velvet ones
that are all the rage, with gold cord and tassels. Your new hat
is elegant, Diana, and so becoming. When I saw you come into
church last Sunday my heart swelled with pride to think you were
my dearest friend. Do you suppose it's wrong for us to think so
much about our clothes? Marilla says it is very sinful. But it
is such an interesting subject, isn't it?"

Marilla agreed to let Anne go to town, and it was arranged that
Mr. Barry should take the girls in on the following Tuesday. As
Charlottetown was thirty miles away and Mr. Barry wished to go
and return