But still -- I 'd do anything for you -- if you really want me to -- '' `` Well now , of course I do . It 's terrible lonesome downstairs without you . Just go and smooth things over -- that 's a good girl . '' `` Very well , '' said Anne resignedly . `` I 'll tell Marilla as soon as she comes in I 've repented . '' `` That 's right -- that 's right , Anne . But do n't tell Marilla I said anything about it . She might think I was putting my oar in and I promised not to do that . '' `` Wild horses wo n't drag the secret from me , '' promised Anne solemnly . `` How would wild horses drag a secret from a person anyhow ? '' But Matthew was gone , scared at his own success . He fled hastily to the remotest corner of the horse pasture lest Marilla should suspect what he had been up to . Marilla herself , upon her return to the house , was agreeably surprised to hear a plaintive voice calling , `` Marilla '' over the banisters . `` Well ? '' she said , going into the hall . `` I 'm sorry I lost my temper and said rude things , and I 'm willing to go and tell Mrs. Lynde so . '' `` Very well . '' Marilla 's crispness gave no sign of her relief . She had been wondering what under the canopy she should do if Anne did not give in . `` I 'll take you down after milking . ''
Accordingly , after milking , behold Marilla and XXXXX walking down the lane , the former erect and triumphant , the latter drooping and dejected .
Anne Lynde Marilla Matthew canopy oar return right sign success