The Delights of Anticipation `` It 's time Anne was in to do her sewing , '' said Marilla , glancing at the clock and then out into the yellow August afternoon where everything drowsed in the heat . `` She stayed playing with Diana more than half an hour more 'n I gave her leave to ; and now she 's perched out there on the woodpile talking to Matthew , nineteen to the dozen , when she knows perfectly well she ought to be at her work . And of course he 's listening to her like a perfect ninny . I never saw such an infatuated man . The more she talks and the odder the things she says , the more he 's delighted evidently . Anne Shirley , you come right in here this minute , do you hear me ! '' A series of staccato taps on the west window brought Anne flying in from the yard , eyes shining , cheeks faintly flushed with pink , unbraided hair streaming behind her in a torrent of brightness . `` Oh , Marilla , '' she exclaimed breathlessly , `` there 's going to be a Sunday-school picnic next week -- in Mr. Harmon Andrews 's field , right near the lake of Shining Waters . And Mrs. Superintendent Bell and Mrs. Rachel Lynde are going to make ice cream -- think of it , Marilla -- ICE CREAM ! And , oh , Marilla , can I go to it ? '' `` Just look at the clock , if you please , Anne . What time did I tell you to come in ? '' `` Two o'clock -- but is n't it splendid about the picnic , Marilla ? Please can I go ? Oh , I 've never been to a picnic -- I 've dreamed of picnics , but I 've never -- '' `` Yes , I told you to come at two o'clock . And it 's a quarter to three . I 'd like to know why you did n't obey me , Anne . '' `` Why , I meant to , Marilla , as much as could be . But you have no idea how fascinating Idlewild is . And then , of course , I had to tell Matthew about the picnic .
XXXXX is such a sympathetic listener .
Andrews Anne Diana Lynde Marilla Matthew afternoon hour o'clock three