No , that never was my way , thank goodness . I did make a mistake in judging Anne , but it were n't no wonder , for an odder , unexpecteder witch of a child there never was in this world , that 's what . There was no ciphering her out by the rules that worked with other children . It 's nothing short of wonderful how she 's improved these three years , but especially in looks . She 's a real pretty girl got to be , though I ca n't say I 'm overly partial to that pale , big-eyed style myself . I like more snap and color , like Diana Barry has or Ruby Gillis . Ruby Gillis 's looks are real showy . But somehow -- I do n't know how it is but when Anne and them are together , though she ai n't half as handsome , she makes them look kind of common and overdone -- something like them white June lilies she calls narcissus alongside of the big , red peonies , that 's what . '' CHAPTER XXXI . Where the Brook and River Meet Anne had her `` good '' summer and enjoyed it wholeheartedly . She and Diana fairly lived outdoors , reveling in all the delights that Lover 's Lane and the Dryad 's Bubble and Willowmere and Victoria Island afforded . Marilla offered no objections to Anne 's gypsyings . The Spencervale doctor who had come the night Minnie May had the croup met Anne at the house of a patient one afternoon early in vacation , looked her over sharply , screwed up his mouth , shook his head , and sent a message to Marilla Cuthbert by another person . It was : `` Keep that redheaded girl of yours in the open air all summer and do n't let her read books until she gets more spring into her step . '' This message frightened Marilla wholesomely . She read Anne 's death warrant by consumption in it unless it was scrupulously obeyed . As a result , Anne had the golden summer of her life as far as freedom and frolic went . She walked , rowed , berried , and dreamed to her heart 's content ; and when September came she was bright-eyed and alert , with a step that would have satisfied the Spencervale doctor and a heart full of ambition and zest once more . `` I feel just like studying with might and main , '' she declared as she brought her books down from the attic . `` Oh , you good old friends , I 'm glad to see your honest faces once more -- yes , even you , geometry .
I 've had a perfectly beautiful summer , XXXXX , and now I 'm rejoicing as a strong man to run a race , as Mr. Allan said last Sunday .
Barry Brook Gillis Lane Marilla May Spencervale XXXI gypsyings years