`` Good night , '' she said , a little awkwardly , but not unkindly . Anne 's white face and big eyes appeared over the bedclothes with a startling suddenness . `` How can you call it a GOOD night when you know it must be the very worst night I 've ever had ? '' she said reproachfully . Then she dived down into invisibility again . Marilla went slowly down to the kitchen and proceeded to wash the supper dishes . Matthew was smoking -- a sure sign of perturbation of mind . He seldom smoked , for Marilla set her face against it as a filthy habit ; but at certain times and seasons he felt driven to it and them Marilla winked at the practice , realizing that a mere man must have some vent for his emotions . `` Well , this is a pretty kettle of fish , '' she said wrathfully . `` This is what comes of sending word instead of going ourselves . Richard Spencer 's folks have twisted that message somehow . One of us will have to drive over and see Mrs. Spencer tomorrow , that 's certain . This girl will have to be sent back to the asylum . '' `` Yes , I suppose so , '' said Matthew reluctantly . `` You SUPPOSE so ! Do n't you know it ? '' `` Well now , she 's a real nice little thing , Marilla . It 's kind of a pity to send her back when she 's so set on staying here . '' `` Matthew Cuthbert , you do n't mean to say you think we ought to keep her ! '' Marilla 's astonishment could not have been greater if Matthew had expressed a predilection for standing on his head .
`` Well , now , no , I suppose not -- not exactly , '' stammered Matthew , uncomfortably driven XXXXX a corner for his precise meaning .
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