He had been in such a state of shyness and nervousness that Marilla had given him up in despair , but Anne took him in hand so successfully that he now sat at the table in his best clothes and white collar and talked to the minister not uninterestingly . He never said a word to Mrs. Allan , but that perhaps was not to be expected . All went merry as a marriage bell until Anne 's layer cake was passed . Mrs. Allan , having already been helped to a bewildering variety , declined it . But Marilla , seeing the disappointment on Anne 's face , said smilingly : `` Oh , you must take a piece of this , Mrs. Allan . Anne made it on purpose for you . '' `` In that case I must sample it , '' laughed Mrs. Allan , helping herself to a plump triangle , as did also the minister and Marilla . Mrs. Allan took a mouthful of hers and a most peculiar expression crossed her face ; not a word did she say , however , but steadily ate away at it . Marilla saw the expression and hastened to taste the cake . `` Anne Shirley ! '' she exclaimed , `` what on earth did you put into that cake ? '' `` Nothing but what the recipe said , Marilla , '' cried Anne with a look of anguish . `` Oh , is n't it all right ? '' `` All right ! It 's simply horrible . Mr. Allan , do n't try to eat it . Anne , taste it yourself . What flavoring did you use ? '' `` Vanilla , '' said Anne , her face scarlet with mortification after tasting the cake . `` Only vanilla .
Oh , XXXXX , it must have been the baking powder .
Allan Anne Marilla Mr. Nothing Shirley nervousness right sample shyness