It's fun to be almost grown up in some ways, but it's not the kind of fun I expected, Marilla. There's so much to learn and do and think that there isn't time for big words.

Behind them in the garden the little stone house brooded among the shadows. It was lonely but not forsaken. It had not yet done with dreams and laughter and the joy of life; there were to be future summers for the little stone house; meanwhile, it could wait. And over the river in purple durance the echoes bided their time.

Even when I'm alone I have real good company — dreams and imaginations and pretendings. I like to be alone now and then, just to think over things and taste them. But I love friendships — and nice, jolly little times with people.

I can't cheer up — I don't want to cheer up. It's nicer to be miserable!

Because when you are imagining, you might as well imagine something worth while.

Gossip, as usual, was one-third right and two-thirds wrong.

But just think what a dull world it would be if everyone was sensible,' pleaded Anne.