`` You 'll be using the best tea set , of course , Marilla , '' she said . `` Can I fix the table with ferns and wild roses ? '' `` I think that 's all nonsense , '' sniffed Marilla . `` In my opinion it 's the eatables that matter and not flummery decorations . '' `` Mrs. Barry had HER table decorated , '' said Anne , who was not entirely guiltless of the wisdom of the serpent , `` and the minister paid her an elegant compliment . He said it was a feast for the eye as well as the palate . '' `` Well , do as you like , '' said Marilla , who was quite determined not to be surpassed by Mrs. Barry or anybody else . `` Only mind you leave enough room for the dishes and the food . '' Anne laid herself out to decorate in a manner and after a fashion that should leave Mrs. Barry 's nowhere . Having abundance of roses and ferns and a very artistic taste of her own , she made that tea table such a thing of beauty that when the minister and his wife sat down to it they exclaimed in chorus over it loveliness . `` It 's Anne 's doings , '' said Marilla , grimly just ; and Anne felt that Mrs. Allan 's approving smile was almost too much happiness for this world . Matthew was there , having been inveigled into the party only goodness and Anne knew how . He had been in such a state of shyness and nervousness that Marilla had given him up in despair , but Anne took him in hand so successfully that he now sat at the table in his best clothes and white collar and talked to the minister not uninterestingly . He never said a word to Mrs. Allan , but that perhaps was not to be expected . All went merry as a marriage bell until Anne 's layer cake was passed . Mrs. Allan , having already been helped to a bewildering variety , declined it . But Marilla , seeing the disappointment on Anne 's face , said smilingly : `` Oh , you must take a piece of this , Mrs. Allan . Anne made it on purpose for you . '' `` In that case I must sample it , '' laughed Mrs. Allan , helping herself to a plump triangle , as did also the minister and Marilla . Mrs. Allan took a mouthful of hers and a most peculiar expression crossed her face ; not a word did she say , however , but steadily ate away at it .
XXXXX saw the expression and hastened to taste the cake .
Allan Anne Barry Marilla Matthew fashion flummery nonsense palate shyness