And oh , it 's a wonderful Christmas . I 've something splendid to show you . Matthew has given me the loveliest dress , with SUCH sleeves . I could n't even imagine any nicer . '' `` I 've got something more for you , '' said Diana breathlessly . `` Here -- this box . Aunt Josephine sent us out a big box with ever so many things in it -- and this is for you . I 'd have brought it over last night , but it did n't come until after dark , and I never feel very comfortable coming through the Haunted Wood in the dark now . '' Anne opened the box and peeped in . First a card with `` For the Anne-girl and Merry Christmas , '' written on it ; and then , a pair of the daintiest little kid slippers , with beaded toes and satin bows and glistening buckles . `` Oh , '' said Anne , `` Diana , this is too much . I must be dreaming . '' `` I call it providential , '' said Diana . `` You wo n't have to borrow Ruby 's slippers now , and that 's a blessing , for they 're two sizes too big for you , and it would be awful to hear a fairy shuffling . Josie Pye would be delighted . Mind you , Rob Wright went home with Gertie Pye from the practice night before last . Did you ever hear anything equal to that ? '' All the Avonlea scholars were in a fever of excitement that day , for the hall had to be decorated and a last grand rehearsal held . The concert came off in the evening and was a pronounced success . The little hall was crowded ; all the performers did excellently well , but Anne was the bright particular star of the occasion , as even envy , in the shape of Josie Pye , dared not deny .
`` Oh , has n't it been a brilliant XXXXX ? ''
Anne Anne-girl Diana First Josephine Matthew Ruby before evening night