In reality it was nothing of the kind . Gilbert was merely smiling with appreciation of the whole affair in general and of the effect produced by Anne 's slender white form and spiritual face against a background of palms in particular . Josie Pye , whom he had driven over , sat beside him , and her face certainly was both triumphant and taunting . But Anne did not see Josie , and would not have cared if she had . She drew a long breath and flung her head up proudly , courage and determination tingling over her like an electric shock . She WOULD NOT fail before Gilbert Blythe -- he should never be able to laugh at her , never , never ! Her fright and nervousness vanished ; and she began her recitation , her clear , sweet voice reaching to the farthest corner of the room without a tremor or a break . Self-possession was fully restored to her , and in the reaction from that horrible moment of powerlessness she recited as she had never done before . When she finished there were bursts of honest applause . Anne , stepping back to her seat , blushing with shyness and delight , found her hand vigorously clasped and shaken by the stout lady in pink silk . `` My dear , you did splendidly , '' she puffed . `` I 've been crying like a baby , actually I have . There , they 're encoring you -- they 're bound to have you back ! '' `` Oh , I ca n't go , '' said Anne confusedly . `` But yet -- I must , or Matthew will be disappointed . He said they would encore me . '' `` Then do n't disappoint Matthew , '' said the pink lady , laughing . Smiling , blushing , limpid eyed , Anne tripped back and gave a quaint , funny little selection that captivated her audience still further . The rest of the evening was quite a little triumph for her . When the concert was over , the stout , pink lady -- who was the wife of an American millionaire -- took her under her wing , and introduced her to everybody ; and everybody was very nice to her .
The professional elocutionist , Mrs. Evans , came and chatted XXXXX her , telling her that she had a charming voice and `` interpreted '' her selections beautifully .
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