The distant spruce groves were burnished bronze , and their long shadows barred the upland meadows . But around them a little wind sang among the fir tassels , and in it there was the note of autumn . `` This wood really is haunted now -- by old memories , '' said Anne , stooping to gather a spray of ferns , bleached to waxen whiteness by frost . `` It seems to me that the little girls Diana and I used to be play here still , and sit by the Dryad 's Bubble in the twilights , trysting with the ghosts . Do you know , I can never go up this path in the dusk without feeling a bit of the old fright and shiver ? There was one especially horrifying phantom which we created -- the ghost of the murdered child that crept up behind you and laid cold fingers on yours . I confess that , to this day , I can not help fancying its little , furtive footsteps behind me when I come here after nightfall . I 'm not afraid of the White Lady or the headless man or the skeletons , but I wish I had never imagined that baby 's ghost into existence . How angry Marilla and Mrs. Barry were over that affair , '' concluded Anne , with reminiscent laughter . The woods around the head of the marsh were full of purple vistas , threaded with gossamers . Past a dour plantation of gnarled spruces and a maple-fringed , sun-warm valley they found the `` something '' Gilbert was looking for . `` Ah , here it is , '' he said with satisfaction . `` An apple tree -- and away back here ! '' exclaimed Anne delightedly . `` Yes , a veritable apple-bearing apple tree , too , here in the very midst of pines and beeches , a mile away from any orchard . I was here one day last spring and found it , all white with blossom . So I resolved I 'd come again in the fall and see if it had been apples . See , it 's loaded . They look good , too -- tawny as russets but with a dusky red cheek . Most wild seedlings are green and uninviting . ''
`` I suppose it sprang years ago from some chance-sown seed , '' said XXXXX dreamily .
Anne Diana Gilbert Marilla beeches gossamers murdered russets spruces twilights