There had been a time when such a walk with Gilbert through Lovers ' Lane would have been far too dangerous . But Roy and Christine had made it very safe now . Anne found herself thinking a good deal about Christine as she chatted lightly to Gilbert . She had met her several times before leaving Kingsport , and had been charmingly sweet to her . Christine had also been charmingly sweet . Indeed , they were a most cordial pair . But for all that , their acquaintance had not ripened into friendship . Evidently Christine was not a kindred spirit . `` Are you going to be in Avonlea all summer ? '' asked Gilbert . `` No . I 'm going down east to Valley Road next week . Esther Haythorne wants me to teach for her through July and August . They have a summer term in that school , and Esther is n't feeling well . So I 'm going to substitute for her . In one way I do n't mind . Do you know , I 'm beginning to feel a little bit like a stranger in Avonlea now ? It makes me sorry -- but it 's true . It 's quite appalling to see the number of children who have shot up into big boys and girls -- really young men and women -- these past two years . Half of my pupils are grown up .
It makes me feel awfully old to see them XXXXX the places you and I and our mates used to fill . ''
So before for in into like of past that to