This was that the scholars of Avonlea school should get up a concert and hold it in the hall on Christmas Night , for the laudable purpose of helping to pay for a schoolhouse flag . The pupils one and all taking graciously to this plan , the preparations for a program were begun at once . And of all the excited performers-elect none was so excited as Anne Shirley , who threw herself into the undertaking heart and soul , hampered as she was by Marilla 's disapproval . Marilla thought it all rank foolishness . `` It 's just filling your heads up with nonsense and taking time that ought to be put on your lessons , '' she grumbled . `` I do n't approve of children 's getting up concerts and racing about to practices . It makes them vain and forward and fond of gadding . '' `` But think of the worthy object , '' pleaded Anne . `` A flag will cultivate a spirit of patriotism , Marilla . '' `` Fudge ! There 's precious little patriotism in the thoughts of any of you . All you want is a good time . '' `` Well , when you can combine patriotism and fun , is n't it all right ? Of course it 's real nice to be getting up a concert . We 're going to have six choruses and Diana is to sing a solo . I 'm in two dialogues -- ` The Society for the Suppression of Gossip ' and ` The Fairy Queen . ' The boys are going to have a dialogue too . And I 'm to have two recitations , Marilla . I just tremble when I think of it , but it 's a nice thrilly kind of tremble . And we 're to have a tableau at the last -- ` Faith , Hope and Charity . '
Diana and Ruby and I are to be in it , all draped XXXXX white with flowing hair .
Of as at by for in on that to with