`` I thought I was rubbing my freckle lotion on it , but I must have used that red dye Marilla has for marking the pattern on her rugs , '' was the despairing response . `` What shall I do ? '' `` Wash it off , '' said Diana practically . `` Perhaps it wo n't wash off . First I dye my hair ; then I dye my nose . Marilla cut my hair off when I dyed it but that remedy would hardly be practicable in this case . Well , this is another punishment for vanity and I suppose I deserve it ... though there 's not much comfort in THAT . It is really almost enough to make one believe in ill-luck , though Mrs. Lynde says there is no such thing , because everything is foreordained . '' Fortunately the dye washed off easily and Anne , somewhat consoled , betook herself to the east gable while Diana ran home . Presently Anne came down again , clothed and in her right mind . The muslin dress she had fondly hoped to wear was bobbing merrily about on the line outside , so she was forced to content herself with her black lawn . She had the fire on and the tea steeping when Diana returned ; the latter wore HER muslin , at least , and carried a covered platter in her hand . `` Mother sent you this , '' she said , lifting the cover and displaying a nicely carved and jointed chicken to Anne 's greatful eyes . The chicken was supplemented by light new bread , excellent butter and cheese , Marilla 's fruit cake and a dish of preserved plums , floating in their golden syrup as in congealed summer sunshine . There was a big bowlful of pink-and-white asters also , by way of decoration ; yet the spread seemed very meager beside the elaborate one formerly prepared for Mrs. Morgan . Anne 's hungry guests , however , did not seem to think anything was lacking and they ate the simple viands with apparent enjoyment . But after the first few moments Anne thought no more of what was or was not on her bill of fare . Mrs. Morgan 's appearance might be somewhat disappointing , as even her loyal worshippers had been forced to admit to each other ; but she proved to be a delightful conversationalist . She had traveled extensively and was an excellent storyteller . She had seen much of men and women , and crystalized her experiences into witty little sentences and epigrams which made her hearers feel as if they were listening to one of the people in clever books .
But under all her sparkle there was a strongly felt undercurrent of true , womanly sympathy and kindheartedness which won affection XXXXX easily as her brilliancy won admiration .
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