But somehow it 's hard to carry out your resolutions when irresistible temptations come . Still , I really will make an extra effort after this . '' When the commonplace breakfast was over Diana appeared , crossing the white log bridge in the hollow , a gay little figure in her crimson ulster . Anne flew down the slope to meet her . `` Merry Christmas , Diana ! 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 XXXXX that ? ''
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