Anne of Green Gables

Chapter 17: A New Interest in Life

THE next afternoon Anne, bending over her patchwork at the kitchen window, happened to glance out and beheld Diana down by the Dryads Bubble beckoning mysteriously. Ina trice Anne was out of the house and flying down to the hollow, astonishment and hope struggling in her expressive eyes. But the hope faded when she saw Dianas dejected countenance.

Your mother hasnt relented? she gasped.

Diana shook her head mournfully.

No; and oh, Anne, she says Im never to play with you again. Ive cried and cried and I told her it wasnt your fault, but it wasnt any use. I had ever such a time coaxing her to let me come down and say good-bye to you. She said I was only to stay ten minutes and shes timing me by the clock.

Ten minutes isnt very long to say an eternal farewell in, said Anne tearfully. Oh, Diana, will you promise faithfully never to forget me, the friend of your youth, no matter what dearer friends may caress thee?

Indeed I will, sobbed Diana, and Ill never have another bosom friend-I dont want to have. I couldnt love anybody as I love you.

Oh, Diana, cried Anne, clasping her hands, do you love me?

Why, of course I do. Didnt you know that?

No. Anne drew a long breath. I thought you liked me of course but I never hoped you loved me. Why, Diana, I didnt think anybody could love me. Nobody ever has loved me since I can remember. Oh, this is wonderful! Its a ray of light which will forever shine on the darkness of a path severed from thee, Diana. Oh, just say it once again.

I love you devotedly, Anne, said Diana stanchly, and I always will, youmay be sure of that.

And I will always love thee, Diana, said Anne, solemnly extending her hand. In the years to come thy memory will shine like a star over my lonely life, as that last story we read together says. Diana, wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet-black tresses in parting to treasure forevermore?

Have you got anything to cut it with? queried Diana, wiping away the tears which Annes affecting accents had caused to flow afresh, and returning to practicalities.

Yes. Ive got my patchwork scissors in my apron pocket fortunately, said Anne. She solemnly clipped one of Dianas curls. Fare thee well, my beloved friend. Henceforth we must be as strangers though living side by side. But my heart will ever be faithful to thee.

Anne stood and watched Diana out of sight, mournfully waving her hand to the latter whenever she turned to look back. Then she returned to the house, not a little consoled for the time being by this romantic parting.

It is all over, she informed Marilla. I shall never have another friend. Im really worse off than ever before, for I havent Katie Maurice and Violetta now. And even if I had it wouldnt be the same. Somehow, little dream girls are not satisfying after a real friend. Diana and I had such an affecting farewell down by the spring. It will be sacred in my memory forever. I used the most pathetic language I could think of and said thou and thee. Thou and thee seem so much more romantic than you. Diana gave me a lock of her hair and Im going to sew it up in a little bag and wear it around my neck all my life. Please see that it is buried with me, for I dont believe Ill live very long. Perhaps when she sees me lying cold and dead before her Mrs. Barry may feel remorse for what she has done and will let Diana come to my funeral.

I dont think there is much fear of your dying of grief as long as you can talk, Anne, said Marilla unsympathetically.

The following Monday Anne surprised Marilla by coming down from her room with her basket of books on her arm and hip and her lips primmed up into a line of determination.

Im going back to school, she announced. That is all there is left in life for me, now that my friend has been ruthlessly torn from me. In school I can look at her and muse over days departed.

Youd better muse over your lessons and sums, said Marilla, concealing her delight at this development of the situation. If youre going back to school I hope well hear no more of breaking slates over peoples head sand such carryings on. Behave yourself and do just what your teacher tells you.