Mrs. Spencer whisked away , after pulling up the blinds . Anne sitting mutely on the ottoman , with her hands clasped tightly in her lap , stared at Mrs Blewett as one fascinated . Was she to be given into the keeping of this sharp-faced , sharp-eyed woman ? She felt a lump coming up in her throat and her eyes smarted painfully . She was beginning to be afraid she could n't keep the tears back when Mrs. Spencer returned , flushed and beaming , quite capable of taking any and every difficulty , physical , mental or spiritual , into consideration and settling it out of hand . `` It seems there 's been a mistake about this little girl , Mrs. Blewett , '' she said . `` I was under the impression that Mr. and Miss Cuthbert wanted a little girl to adopt . I was certainly told so . But it seems it was a boy they wanted . So if you 're still of the same mind you were yesterday , I think she 'll be just the thing for you . '' Mrs. Blewett darted her eyes over Anne from head to foot . `` How old are you and what 's your name ? '' she demanded . `` Anne Shirley , '' faltered the shrinking child , not daring to make any stipulations regarding the spelling thereof , `` and I 'm eleven years old . '' `` Humph ! You do n't look as if there was much to you . But you 're wiry . I do n't know but the wiry ones are the best after all . Well , if I take you you 'll have to be a good girl , you know -- good and smart and respectful . I 'll expect you to earn your keep , and no mistake about that .
Yes , I suppose I might as well take her off your hands , Miss XXXXX .
Anne Blewett Cuthbert Humph Shirley Spencer old ottoman stipulations tears