Well , I am punished : I shall never be able to have a different opinion from Gilbert 's again ! If I try to have , he will squelch me by casting George Moore 's case up to me ! '' `` As if even that would squelch a woman ! '' mocked Gilbert . `` At least do not become my echo , Anne . A little opposition gives spice to life . I do not want a wife like John MacAllister 's over the harbor . No matter what he says , she at once remarks in that drab , lifeless little voice of hers , ` That is very true , John , dear me ! ' '' Anne and Leslie laughed . Anne 's laughter was silver and Leslie 's golden , and the combination of the two was as satisfactory as a perfect chord in music . Susan , coming in on the heels of the laughter , echoed it with a resounding sigh . `` Why , Susan , what is the matter ? '' asked Gilbert . `` There 's nothing wrong with little Jem , is there , Susan ? '' cried Anne , starting up in alarm . `` No , no , calm yourself , Mrs. Doctor , dear . Something has happened , though . Dear me , everything has gone catawampus with me this week . I spoiled the bread , as you know too well -- and I scorched the doctor 's best shirt bosom -- and I broke your big platter . And now , on the top of all this , comes word that my sister Matilda has broken her leg and wants me to go and stay with her for a spell . ''
`` Oh , I 'm very sorry -- sorry that your sister has met with such an accident , I mean , '' exclaimed XXXXX .
Anne Doctor Gilbert Jem John MacAllister Matilda Moore Susan catawampus