In the Woods When First We Met

50. Early Dismissal

Mr. Phillips unexpectedly dismissed them early that afternoon.

Gilbert wondered if something was wrong, because Mr. Phillips had seemed distracted all day, and had avoided actually teaching as much as possible. It had been unusual for him to assign students to go over lessons in pairs, rather than addressing the lecture himself in front of the class.

Anne was glad for the early dismissal, because her newfound bravery was exhausting.

She wanted to go home and see if Marilla would mind if she took a nap before dinner- maybe she could catch up on the hours of sleep she'd missed the night before.

She was slow about getting ready to go, hoping most of the other students would leave before she did. She couldn't let the girls see her leave with Gilbert, but she also couldn't walk off alone to meet up with him later.

Gilbert was slow, too. He acted as if he needed to finish up some work before he left, and Anne pretended to clean her desk.

Finally most of the students were gone, except for a few lingering boys who would make no difference in the matter, and Prissy, who Mr. Phillips had asked to stay late for extra tutoring.

Gilbert went to get his coat and hat. He whispered to Anne, "I'll head toward the woods. Meet me there."

Anne nodded, collecting her belongings. She hoped that none of the girls were hanging around outside anywhere where they would see her walking home.

But no one did.

Anne and Gilbert set off.

Gilbert was glad school had let out early. It would give him some time to talk to Anne, before she had to get home.

They had a lot to talk about it, he thought.