Mrs. Rachel and Marilla sat comfortably in the parlor while Anne got the tea and made hot biscuits that were light and white enough to defy even Mrs. Rachel 's criticism . `` I must say Anne has turned out a real smart girl , '' admitted Mrs. Rachel , as Marilla accompanied her to the end of the lane at sunset . `` She must be a great help to you . '' `` She is , '' said Marilla , `` and she 's real steady and reliable now . I used to be afraid she 'd never get over her featherbrained ways , but she has and I would n't be afraid to trust her in anything now . '' `` I never would have thought she 'd have turned out so well that first day I was here three years ago , '' said Mrs. Rachel . `` Lawful heart , shall I ever forget that tantrum of hers ! When I went home that night I says to Thomas , says I , ` Mark my words , Thomas , Marilla Cuthbert 'll live to rue the step she 's took . ' But I was mistaken and I 'm real glad of it . I ai n't one of those kind of people , Marilla , as can never be brought to own up that they 've made a mistake . No , that never was my way , thank goodness . I did make a mistake in judging Anne , but it were n't no wonder , for an odder , unexpecteder witch of a child there never was in this world , that 's what . There was no ciphering her out by the rules that worked with other children . It 's nothing short of wonderful how she 's improved these three years , but especially in looks . She 's a real pretty girl got to be , though I ca n't say I 'm overly partial to that pale , big-eyed style myself . I like more snap and color , like Diana Barry has or Ruby Gillis . Ruby Gillis 's looks are real showy . But somehow -- I do n't know how it is but when Anne and them are together , though she ai n't half as handsome , she makes them look kind of common and overdone -- something like them white June lilies she calls narcissus alongside of the big , red peonies , that 's what . '' CHAPTER XXXI . Where the Brook and River Meet Anne had her `` good '' summer and enjoyed it wholeheartedly .
She and Diana fairly lived outdoors , reveling XXXXX all the delights that Lover 's Lane and the Dryad 's Bubble and Willowmere and Victoria Island afforded .
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