She was a tall black-eyed , black-haired woman , with a very resolute mouth . She had the reputation of being very strict with her children . `` How do you do , Marilla ? '' she said cordially . `` Come in . And this is the little girl you have adopted , I suppose ? '' `` Yes , this is Anne Shirley , '' said Marilla . `` Spelled with an E , '' gasped Anne , who , tremulous and excited as she was , was determined there should be no misunderstanding on that important point . Mrs. Barry , not hearing or not comprehending , merely shook hands and said kindly : `` How are you ? '' `` I am well in body although considerable rumpled up in spirit , thank you ma'am , '' said Anne gravely . Then aside to Marilla in an audible whisper , `` There was n't anything startling in that , was there , Marilla ? '' Diana was sitting on the sofa , reading a book which she dropped when the callers entered . She was a very pretty little girl , with her mother 's black eyes and hair , and rosy cheeks , and the merry expression which was her inheritance from her father . `` This is my little girl Diana , '' said Mrs. Barry . `` Diana , you might take Anne out into the garden and show her your flowers . It will be better for you than straining your eyes over that book . She reads entirely too much -- '' this to Marilla as the little girls went out -- `` and I ca n't prevent her , for her father aids and abets her . She 's always poring over a book . I 'm glad she has the prospect of a playmate -- perhaps it will take her more out-of-doors . '' Outside in the garden , which was full of mellow sunset light streaming through the dark old firs to the west of it , stood Anne and Diana , gazing bashfully at each other over a clump of gorgeous tiger lilies .
The Barry garden was a bowery wilderness of flowers which would have delighted Anne 's heart XXXXX any time less fraught with destiny .
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