She does n't ` believe ' in Village Improvement Societies , but she DOES believe in dollars and cents . She 'd be more likely to urge Judson on than to dissuade him . '' `` The only thing to do is to appoint a committee to wait on him and protest , '' said Julia Bell , `` and you must send girls , for he 'd hardly be civil to boys ... but I wo n't go , so nobody need nominate me . '' `` Better send Anne alone , '' said Oliver Sloane . `` She can talk Judson over if anybody can . '' Anne protested . She was willing to go and do the talking ; but she must have others with her `` for moral support . '' Diana and Jane were therefore appointed to support her morally and the Improvers broke up , buzzing like angry bees with indignation . Anne was so worried that she did n't sleep until nearly morning , and then she dreamed that the trustees had put a fence around the school and painted `` Try Purple Pills '' all over it . The committee waited on Judson Parker the next afternoon . Anne pleaded eloquently against his nefarious design and Jane and Diana supported her morally and valiantly . Judson was sleek , suave , flattering ; paid them several compliments of the delicacy of sunflowers ; felt real bad to refuse such charming young ladies ... but business was business ; could n't afford to let sentiment stand in the way these hard times . `` But I 'll tell what I WILL do , '' he said , with a twinkle in his light , full eyes . `` I 'll tell the agent he must use only handsome , tasty colors ... red and yellow and so on . I 'll tell him he must n't paint the ads BLUE on any account . '' The vanquished committee retired , thinking things not lawful to be uttered . `` We have done all we can do and must simply trust the rest to Providence , '' said Jane , with an unconscious imitation of Mrs. Lynde 's tone and manner . `` I wonder if Mr. Allan could do anything , '' reflected Diana . Anne shook her head . `` No , it 's no use to worry Mr. Allan , especially now when the baby 's so sick .
XXXXX would slip away from him as smoothly as from us , although he HAS taken to going to church quite regularly just now .
Allan Bell Diana Improvers Judson Lynde Parker Providence Societies sunflowers