During Marilla 's speech a sunrise had been dawning on Anne 's face . First the look of despair faded out ; then came a faint flush of hope ; her eyes grew deep and bright as morning stars . The child was quite transfigured ; and , a moment later , when Mrs. Spencer and Mrs. Blewett went out in quest of a recipe the latter had come to borrow she sprang up and flew across the room to Marilla . `` Oh , Miss Cuthbert , did you really say that perhaps you would let me stay at Green Gables ? '' she said , in a breathless whisper , as if speaking aloud might shatter the glorious possibility . `` Did you really say it ? Or did I only imagine that you did ? '' `` I think you 'd better learn to control that imagination of yours , Anne , if you ca n't distinguish between what is real and what is n't , '' said Marilla crossly . `` Yes , you did hear me say just that and no more . It is n't decided yet and perhaps we will conclude to let Mrs. Blewett take you after all . She certainly needs you much more than I do . '' `` I 'd rather go back to the asylum than go to live with her , '' said Anne passionately . `` She looks exactly like a -- like a gimlet . '' Marilla smothered a smile under the conviction that Anne must be reproved for such a speech . `` A little girl like you should be ashamed of talking so about a lady and a stranger , '' she said severely . `` Go back and sit down quietly and hold your tongue and behave as a good girl should . '' `` I 'll try to do and be anything you want me , if you 'll only keep me , '' said Anne , returning meekly to her ottoman . When they arrived back at Green Gables that evening Matthew met them in the lane . Marilla from afar had noted him prowling along it and guessed his motive . She was prepared for the relief she read in his face when he saw that she had at least brought back Anne back with her .
But she said nothing , to him , relative XXXXX the affair , until they were both out in the yard behind the barn milking the cows .
During about after at for from if like to under