`` Leslie would never do that , Gilbert . Her sense of duty is very strong . She told me once that her Grandmother West always impressed upon her the fact that when she assumed any responsibility she must never shirk it , no matter what the consequences might be . That is one of her cardinal rules . I suppose it 's very old-fashioned . '' `` Do n't be bitter , Anne-girl . You know you do n't think it old-fashioned -- you know you have the very same idea of sacredness of assumed responsibilities yourself . And you are right . Shirking responsibilities is the curse of our modern life -- the secret of all the unrest and discontent that is seething in the world . '' `` Thus saith the preacher , '' mocked Anne . But under the mockery she felt that he was right ; and she was very sick at heart for Leslie . A week later Miss Cornelia descended like an avalanche upon the little house . Gilbert was away and Anne was compelled to bear the shock of the impact alone . Miss Cornelia hardly waited to get her hat off before she began . `` Anne , do you mean to tell me it 's true what I 've heard -- that Dr. Blythe has told Leslie Dick can be cured , and that she is going to take him to Montreal to have him operated on ? '' `` Yes , it is quite true , Miss Cornelia , '' said Anne bravely . `` Well , it 's inhuman cruelty , that 's what it is , '' said Miss Cornelia , violently agitated . `` I did think Dr. Blythe was a decent man . I did n't think he could have been guilty of this . '' `` Dr. Blythe thought it was his duty to tell Leslie that there was a chance for Dick , '' said Anne with spirit , `` and , '' she added , loyalty to Gilbert getting the better of her , `` I agree with him . ''
`` Oh , no , you do n't , dearie , '' said Miss XXXXX .
Anne Blythe Cornelia Dick Dr. Gilbert Leslie Montreal discontent right