Chapter 7: Marilla makes a decision
While they were talking, the carriage had arrived at the gate of Spencer's house. Mrs. Spencer came out of a yellow house and looked surprised and delighted to see them.
Ah, my dear," exclaimed Mrs. Spencer in surprise, "I didn't expect you to come to-day, and I am so glad to see you, so bring the horse in." How about Anne? You okay? ”
It's ok, thank you. Anne's face darkened, as if she had been severely struck.
I'm sorry to bother you at such a busy time. "When I came out, I had already told Matthew that I would go back early." And it came to pass, Mrs. Spencer, that I want to make sure to you, that I don't know what went wrong. Originally, Matthew and I were going to adopt a boy from the orphanage, and asked your brother Robert to bring a message to adopt a boy between the ages of ten and eleven. ”
Yes? Marilla, is that so? When Mrs. Spencer heard this, she said anxiously, "Robert sent his daughter Nancy a letter with a letter saying that what you want is a girl." Just as her daughter, Flora Jane, had also come to the door, Mrs. Spencer hastened to her for help: "Yes, that's what Nancy said. Jane, that's what she said, right? ”
That's exactly what Nancy said. Jenny nodded earnestly.
I'm really sorry. Mrs. Spencer quickly explained, "It's just too bad. But it can't be said that it was my fault, and I did my best to do what you told me. Alas, what a careless girl Nancy is. I've said this to her several times. ”
We have a responsibility, too," Marilla seemed at a loss, "for such an important matter, I should have come directly to you for an interview, rather than just a message." Now it's wrong and wrong, there's no way to remedy it, the key is this child. Can we send her back to the orphanage? They should still be able to take her in, right? ”
I think it should be. Mrs. Spencer pondered for a moment, and then suddenly remembered something, "I don't think she needs to go back to the orphanage." Yesterday, Mrs. Peter Brewitt came to my house and she said she wanted to adopt a girl to help her with the housework. Her family is a big family, and there is a shortage of manpower. Anne was able to go, and it was really arranged by God. ”
It was a surprise to Marilla, who had no surprise when she had such a great opportunity to get rid of the undesirable girl in no time. Marilla and Mrs. Peter Brevet did not know each other very well, but had only met a few times. The woman was spicy-looking, thin, and without a trace of fat. I heard that she was short-tempered and rude, and none of the girls who were fired from her family praised her. In addition, all the children in her family are impolite, noisy, and arrogant. The thought of sending Anne to such a home made Marilla feel as if she had no conscience.
It's ......Why don't you let us in and sit down and discuss it again? Marilla said.
At that moment, Mrs. Spencer exclaimed, "What a coincidence." Isn't that the one who came down the path Madame Peter? ”
Mrs. Spencer welcomed Marilla and the others into the drawing-room, sat them down, and introduced each other. Then the dark green blinds were put down. Probably because the long blinds were closed, the room suddenly became dark and deserted.
What a coincidence, we were able to solve the problem in no time. Marilla, please sit in this armchair, Anne, you sit down on the bench over there, don't twist around in the chair, give me your hat. Jane, you go and boil the kettle of water. Good afternoon, Mrs. Brevet, I have something to discuss with you. Let me introduce you, this is Miss Cuthbert. Ah, I'm sorry, I forgot to tell Jane that she needs to get the bread out of the oven quickly, please wait. So saying, Mrs. Spencer drew up the blinds again, and hurried out.
Anne sat silently on the edge of the bench, clasped hands on her knees, and stared at Mrs. Brevet. That woman looked very mean, her eyes were as sharp as an awl, should she follow her in the future? The more Anne thought about it, the more sad she became, and she felt that her throat was blocked uncomfortably, and she was most worried that she would not be able to help crying on the spot at this time. Just then, Mrs. Spencer returned. She blushed and smiled happily, as if to tell people that no matter what problem, from physical to spiritual, can be satisfactorily solved.
Mrs. Brevet, something has gone wrong about this child. I heard that Miss Cuthbert wanted to adopt a girl, but she didn't really need a girl, she wanted to adopt a boy. I guess if what you said yesterday counts, isn't this girl the right person? ”
Mrs. Brevet immediately looked Anne up and down carefully.
How old is it? What is your name? The lady asked.
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Anne Shirley, eleven years old. Anne shrank back in fright, stammering a little, and her voice was timid.
Eleven years old? It doesn't look like it. But she seemed to be in some good spirits. If I want to take you in, you have to be obedient, you have to work neatly, you have to be diligent and polite. No one is going to feed you for nothing, you have to remember that. Okay, Miss Cuthbert, I can take her in. My children are so hard to take care of that I am exhausted. If this is the case, I will take this child back now. ”
Marilla looked at Anne and saw that her face was pale and she showed a miserable and helpless expression, her mouth was closed and she did not say a word, and her eyes showed endless pleading, which made her feel very uncomfortable. If you ignore her wordless plea for help, your conscience will definitely not be at peace until death. It was terrible to put such a sensitive, impulsive child in the hands of someone like Mrs. Brevet.
Ah, this ......I can't give you a definite answer to that for a while," said Marilla, slowly, word for word, "I want to say that Matthew and I have not yet agreed on whether or not to adopt this child. Matthew had always wanted to take her in. I'm here just to find out what went wrong. I think it's better for me to take her back first, and discuss it with Matthew! It's always not appropriate to decide without saying hello to Matthew. Wait until tomorrow evening, and if we decide not to adopt her, we'll send it to you. If we don't come to your house tomorrow, it means we've decided to take her in. Do you think that's good, Mrs. Brevet? ”
It seems that this is the only way to go. Mrs. Brevet looked very upset.
Hearing Marilla say this, Anne's face became clear again, her face was rosy again, and her eyes were as bright and deep as the stars in the morning light. Mrs. Brevet then told Mrs. Spencer that she was going to borrow a recipe for cooking, and Mrs. Spencer took her to another room to get it. As soon as they were out, Anne jumped up and threw herself at Marilla's side.
Ah, Miss Cuthbert, is what you just said true? Do I still hope to stay at Green Gables Farmhouse? Anne asked eagerly in a low voice, lest she would dash that hope if she spoke louder, "Did you really say that?" It's not like I'm dreaming, am I? ”
Annie, if you can't even tell the difference, you might as well control your imagination. Marilla was a little upset, "I did say that, but I just said it wasn't finalized. Perhaps at last I will send you to Mrs. Brevet's house, which in my opinion needs you more than we do. ”
In that case, I'd rather go back to the orphanage than go to her house! Anne said excitedly, "The man looked so sharp, and his gaze was like an awl." ”
Marilla almost burst out laughing, but she felt that Anne's words were too rude and should be reprimanded.
How can a little girl like you comment so much about a lady you meet for the first time? Don't you feel blushing? "Come back there and sit honestly, don't talk nonsense, and behave like a good child!" ”
Good. If you promise to adopt me, I'll do whatever I want me to do. Anne pleaded, and obediently returned to the bench.
In the evening, Marilla and Anne rushed back to the Green Gables Farmhouse. From afar, Marilla saw Marti walking restlessly about the path, looking full of concern. As the carriage approached, he looked at little Anne sitting beside Marilla, with a relieved look on his face. Marilla didn't say anything when she got home. When it was time for Matthew to go to the yard behind the stable, Marilla briefly told Matthew about Anne's life and mentioned the events of the day.
That woman in the Brevet family, even if it's my favorite dog, I won't give it to her! Matthew looked full of energy, a look that was rare on his face.
I don't like that kind of woman very much. "But I did feel torn between what to do." But I also think it's more appropriate to keep her. There's no way around it, and if I keep hesitating like this, I'm going to get sick. I feel like it's our obligation. None of us have ever raised a child, especially a girl, so it's going to be a lot of trouble for us to keep her, but we're going to do it hard anyway. Matthew, I've decided to adopt this kid anyway. ”
Matthew, a shy and introverted man, now has an excited look of joy on his face. "Hey, you've finally figured it out! You'll see sooner or later, Marilla," he said, "and that little thing is a very cute and funny kid indeed." ”
If you say she's a very useful child, you're right. Marilla corrected his statement, "It is my responsibility to train her to be a useful person and to make her useful." But, Matthew, no matter how much I educate her, you must not ask. An old girl may not know how to educate children, but she will be more or less better than you, an old bachelor! If I fail, it's not too late for you to discipline me again. ”
All right, Marilla, do whatever you want," Matthew gently assured her, "be as considerate and gentle as you can with her, but not pampered or indulgent." I think that as long as this child likes you, she will be obedient to whatever you ask her to do. ”
Marilla sneered at Matthew's comments about women, and hurriedly grabbed the bucket and walked to the cow. "I finally decided to keep her. But I won't tell her about it tonight," said Marilla, straining the milk and pouring it into the cream separator, "and the boy will be too happy to sleep." Marilla, you would have thought of doing such a thing. The fact that we would adopt an orphan is shocking enough in itself, and it was proposed by Matthew. This is really amazing, Matthew, who has always been terrified when he sees a girl, would actually do this. Anyway, now that the matter is settled, let's give it a try. As for what will happen later, only God knows. ”
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