There were so many we would have liked to name her for ; we could n't choose between them , so we decided on Joyce -- we can call her Joy for short -- Joy -- it suits so well . Oh , Marilla , I thought I was happy before . Now I know that I just dreamed a pleasant dream of happiness . THIS is the reality . '' `` You must n't talk , Anne -- wait till you 're stronger , '' said Marilla warningly . `` You know how hard it is for me NOT to talk , '' smiled Anne . At first she was too weak and too happy to notice that Gilbert and the nurse looked grave and Marilla sorrowful . Then , as subtly , and coldly , and remorselessly as a sea-fog stealing landward , fear crept into her heart . Why was not Gilbert gladder ? Why would he not talk about the baby ? Why would they not let her have it with her after that first heavenly -- happy hour ? Was -- was there anything wrong ? `` Gilbert , '' whispered Anne imploringly , `` the baby -- is all right -- is n't she ? Tell me -- tell me . '' Gilbert was a long while in turning round ; then he bent over Anne and looked in her eyes . Marilla , listening fearfully outside the door , heard a pitiful , heartbroken moan , and fled to the kitchen where Susan was weeping . `` Oh , the poor lamb -- the poor lamb ! How can she bear it , Miss Cuthbert ? I am afraid it will kill her . She has been that built up and happy , longing for that baby , and planning for it .
Can not anything be done nohow , Miss XXXXX ? ''
Anne Cuthbert Gilbert Joyce Marilla Susan first hour landward right