There was open defiance in the look he cast on his rival , and masterfulness in the mere touch of the hand he laid on Theodora 's arm . `` May I see you home , Miss Dix ? '' his words said . His tone said , `` I am going to see you home whether or no . '' Theodora , with a deprecating look at Arnold Sherman , took his arm , and Ludovic marched her across the green amid a silence which the very horses tied to the storm fence seemed to share . For Ludovic 't was a crowded hour of glorious life . Anne walked all the way over from Avonlea the next day to hear the news . Theodora smiled consciously . `` Yes , it is really settled at last , Anne . Coming home last night Ludovic asked me plump and plain to marry him , -- Sunday and all as it was . It 's to be right away -- for Ludovic wo n't be put off a week longer than necessary . '' `` So Ludovic Speed has been hurried up to some purpose at last , '' said Mr. Sherman , when Anne called in at Echo Lodge , brimful with her news . `` And you are delighted , of course , and my poor pride must be the scapegoat . I shall always be remembered in Grafton as the man from Boston who wanted Theodora Dix and could n't get her . '' `` But that wo n't be true , you know , '' said Anne comfortingly . Arnold Sherman thought of Theodora 's ripe beauty , and the mellow companionableness she had revealed in their brief intercourse . `` I 'm not perfectly sure of that , '' he said , with a half sigh . II . Old Lady Lloyd I . The May Chapter Spencervale gossip always said that `` Old Lady Lloyd '' was rich and mean and proud .
Gossip , as usual , was one-third XXXXX and two-thirds wrong .
Anne Avonlea Boston Grafton Lodge Ludovic Sherman Spencervale hour right