But I just could n't think of going and telling Mrs. Lynde so . It would be so humiliating . I made up my mind I 'd stay shut up here forever rather than do that . But still -- I 'd do anything for you -- if you really want me to -- '' `` Well now , of course I do . It 's terrible lonesome downstairs without you . Just go and smooth things over -- that 's a good girl . '' `` Very well , '' said Anne resignedly . `` I 'll tell Marilla as soon as she comes in I 've repented . '' `` That 's right -- that 's right , Anne . But do n't tell Marilla I said anything about it . She might think I was putting my oar in and I promised not to do that . '' `` Wild horses wo n't drag the secret from me , '' promised Anne solemnly . `` How would wild horses drag a secret from a person anyhow ? '' But Matthew was gone , scared at his own success . He fled hastily to the remotest corner of the horse pasture lest Marilla should suspect what he had been up to . Marilla herself , upon her return to the house , was agreeably surprised to hear a plaintive voice calling , `` Marilla '' over the banisters . `` Well ? '' she said , going into the hall . `` I 'm sorry I lost my temper and said rude things , and I 'm willing to go and tell Mrs. Lynde so . '' `` Very well . ''
Marilla 's crispness gave no sign XXXXX her relief .
about as at from lest of over than to upon