`` Marilla Cuthbert , you do n't say so ! '' said Mrs. Spencer in distress . `` Why , Robert sent word down by his daughter Nancy and she said you wanted a girl -- did n't she Flora Jane ? '' appealing to her daughter who had come out to the steps . `` She certainly did , Miss Cuthbert , '' corroborated Flora Jane earnestly . `` I 'm dreadful sorry , '' said Mrs. Spencer . `` It 's too bad ; but it certainly was n't my fault , you see , Miss Cuthbert . I did the best I could and I thought I was following your instructions . Nancy is a terrible flighty thing . I 've often had to scold her well for her heedlessness . '' `` It was our own fault , '' said Marilla resignedly . `` We should have come to you ourselves and not left an important message to be passed along by word of mouth in that fashion . Anyhow , the mistake has been made and the only thing to do is to set it right . Can we send the child back to the asylum ? I suppose they 'll take her back , wo n't they ? '' `` I suppose so , '' said Mrs. Spencer thoughtfully , `` but I do n't think it will be necessary to send her back . Mrs. Peter Blewett was up here yesterday , and she was saying to me how much she wished she 'd sent by me for a little girl to help her . Mrs. Peter has a large family , you know , and she finds it hard to get help . Anne will be the very girl for you . I call it positively providential . ''
XXXXX did not look as if she thought Providence had much to do with the matter .
Anne Blewett Marilla Nancy Peter Robert Spencer heedlessness left right