One glance revealed the fatal truth . Her nose was a brilliant scarlet ! Anne sat down on the sofa , her dauntless spirit subdued at last . `` What is the matter with it ? '' asked Diana , curiosity overcoming delicacy . `` 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 XXXXX apparent enjoyment .
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