Even the shadows were sharp and stiff and clear-cut , as no proper shadows should be . Everything that was handsome seemed ten times handsomer and less attractive in the glaring splendor ; and everything that was ugly seemed ten times uglier , and everything was either handsome or ugly . There was no soft blending , or kind obscurity , or elusive mistiness in that searching glitter . The only things that held their own individuality were the firs -- for the fir is the tree of mystery and shadow , and yields never to the encroachments of crude radiance . But finally the day began to realise that she was growing old . Then a certain pensiveness fell over her beauty which dimmed yet intensified it ; sharp angles , glittering points , melted away into curves and enticing gleams . The white harbor put on soft grays and pinks ; the far-away hills turned amethyst . `` The old year is going away beautifully , '' said Anne . She and Leslie and Gilbert were on their way to the Four Winds Point , having plotted with Captain Jim to watch the New Year in at the light . The sun had set and in the southwestern sky hung Venus , glorious and golden , having drawn as near to her earth-sister as is possible for her . For the first time Anne and Gilbert saw the shadow cast by that brilliant star of evening , that faint , mysterious shadow , never seen save when there is white snow to reveal it , and then only with averted vision , vanishing when you gaze at it directly . `` It 's like the spirit of a shadow , is n't it ? '' whispered Anne . `` You can see it so plainly haunting your side when you look ahead ; but when you turn and look at it -- it 's gone . '' `` I have heard that you can see the shadow of Venus only once in a lifetime , and that within a year of seeing it your life 's most wonderful gift will come to you , '' said Leslie . But she spoke rather hardly ; perhaps she thought that even the shadow of Venus could bring her no gift of life . Anne smiled in the soft twilight ; she felt quite sure what the mystic shadow promised her . They found Marshall Elliott at the lighthouse . At first Anne felt inclined to resent the intrusion of this long-haired , long-bearded eccentric into the familiar little circle . But Marshall Elliott soon proved his legitimate claim to membership in the household of Joseph .
He was a witty , intelligent , well-read man , rivalling Captain XXXXX himself in the knack of telling a good story .
Anne Gilbert Jim Leslie Point amethyst evening grays mistiness year