Anne of Green Gables - Chapter 19

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stories Podcast - Anne of Green Gables, Chapter 19

Date: February 27, 2026
Host: Amanda Weldon

---

Main Theme

This episode performs and narrates Chapter 19 of Anne of Green Gables — "A Concert, A Catastrophe, and a Confession." The chapter follows Anne Shirley as she yearns to attend a local concert with her friend Diana, leading to a memorable night of excitement, mishaps, and heartfelt confessions. The episode captures the innocence of childhood adventures, the importance of honesty, and the transformative power of understanding and compassion.

---

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Anne’s Eagerness to See Diana and the Secret Code (03:02–05:48)

• Anne invents an elaborate system of signals using candles and cardboard to communicate with Diana from across the street.
• Anne is desperate to visit Diana after school, convinced Diana has “something very important to tell me” (03:10).
• Marilla, Anne’s guardian, initially resists, but Anne’s insistence leads her to grant a strict 10-minute visit.

2. The Big Concert Invitation and Marilla’s Objections (04:28–07:00)

• Diana, whose birthday is approaching, invites Anne for a sleepover and to attend the much-anticipated Debating Club concert.
• Anne pleads passionately for permission, describing the concert’s program and expressing her longing for inclusion:
  • "I feel so excited!" (04:28)
  • "It's such a very special occasion… Diana has only one birthday in a year." (05:48)
• Marilla rebuffs Anne, considering such events "nonsense" for little girls.

3. Matthew’s Quiet Advocacy and Marilla’s Reluctant Consent (06:50–08:43)

• Matthew, gentle and supportive, intercedes repeatedly:
  • “Well, now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go” (06:58).
• Marilla, overwhelmed by Matthew’s steadfastness, eventually relents:
  • “Very well, she can go, since nothing else will please you.” (08:27)
• Anne’s gratitude is exuberant and heartfelt:
  • “Oh, Marilla, Marilla, say those blessed words again!” (08:30)

4. Preparations, Anticipation, and the Thrilling Concert (09:18–13:00)

• Anne and Diana prepare for the concert, experimenting with new hairstyles and discussing their excitement.
• Anne feels a pang comparing her plain clothes to Diana’s nicer attire but uses her imagination to cope.
• The concert itself is a magical event for Anne, described as “a series of thrills for at least one listener in the audience” (10:50).
  • Anne’s joy: “Every succeeding thrill was thrillier than the last.”
  • Anne ignores Gilbert Blythe’s performance, showing lingering tensions.
• The girls return home late, “sated with dissipation but with the exceedingly sweet pleasure of talking it over.”

5. The Catastrophe: Jumping Into the Spare Room Bed (17:59–20:59)

• Anne and Diana, in high spirits, race to the spare room bed, unaware Diana’s great-aunt Josephine is sleeping there.
• The unexpected encounter terrifies both girls—“There was a gasp and a cry…”—and proves to be a scandal in the Barry household.
• Aunt Josephine, affronted, threatens to cut her visit short and withdraw favor, especially Diana’s music lessons.

6. The Confession and Forgiveness (22:24–29:30)

• Anne learns the morning after of the uproar and feels responsible. Despite her fear, she decides to confess to Aunt Josephine:
  • “I’d rather walk up to a cannon’s mouth, but I’ve got to do it, Diana. It was my fault and I’ve got to confess.” (25:59)
• Anne bravely faces Aunt Josephine, admits her mistake, and pleads for Diana:
  • “If you must be cross with anyone, be cross with me. I’ve been so used in my early days to having people cross at me…” (27:09)
• Aunt Josephine, softened and amused by Anne’s candor and imagination, laughs and forgives the girls, agreeing to stay—and to continue Diana’s music lessons:
  • “I think perhaps I will, if you will come over and talk to me occasionally,” says Aunt Josephine (28:53).
• The episode ends on a warm note of newfound friendship, forgiveness, and Anne's musing that “kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” (29:47)

---

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Anne's Passion:
  • "Oh, Marilla, my heart was just set on going to that concert. I never was to a concert in my life…" (09:05)
• Matthew’s Support:
  • “Well, now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go.” (06:58)
• Anne on Being Understood:
  • “You didn’t know just how I felt about it. But you see, Matthew did. Matthew understands me, and it’s so nice to be understood, Marilla.” (09:12)
• At the Concert:
  • “Oh, Diana…Isn’t it all like a beautiful dream? Do I really look the same as usual? I feel so different that it seems to me it must show in my looks.” (11:16)
• Anne’s Confession:
  • "I'm Anne of Green Gables...and I come to confess, if you please." (27:06)
  • "I've been so used in my early days to having people cross at me that I can endure it much better than Diana can." (27:58)
• Aunt Josephine’s Change of Heart:
  • "I think perhaps I will [stay], if you will come over and talk to me occasionally." (28:53)
• Anne’s Reflection:
  • “Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” (29:47)

---

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Event | |---------------|--------------------------------------------| | 03:02 | Anne asks Marilla to visit Diana | | 04:28 | Birthday sleepover and concert invitation | | 06:58 | Matthew advocates for Anne | | 08:27 | Marilla consents to Anne’s attendance | | 09:05 | Anne’s gratitude and excitement | | 09:18–13:00 | Preparations and the thrilling concert | | 17:59 | The surprise in the spare room | | 22:24 | Anne learns of the fallout | | 25:59 | Anne decides to confess | | 27:06–28:53 | Anne’s confession and Aunt Josephine’s forgiveness | | 29:47 | Anne’s reflection on kindred spirits |

---

Tone and Language

Throughout the reading, Amanda Weldon maintains an imaginative, lighthearted, and warm narrative tone, echoing Anne’s childlike wonder, poetic expressions, and irrepressible honesty. Dialogue is delivered with emotional nuance, bringing out both the comedic and touching moments, making the story equally engaging for children and adults alike.

---

Conclusion

This vivid performance of Anne of Green Gables Chapter 19 brings to life Anne’s determination, vivid imagination, and honest heart as she navigates a night of excitement, trouble, and ultimately, reconciliation. It highlights the value of empathy, second chances, and “kindred spirits,” wrapping the adventure in humor and heartfelt moments perfect for listeners of all ages.

Transcript

[A]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a chapter from the classic novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. We have Stories podcast merch [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram oriespodcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed.

[B]

Now here's a word from our sponsors February can be a tough stretch for homeschool families. Shorter days, busy schedules and motivation that starts to dip. IXL helps keep learning consistent, focused and moving forward without stress. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling it. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre

[A]

K through 12th grade.

[B]

IXL personalizes learning for each child, keeps them engaged, and gives parents clear insight into progress. IXL's interactive practice and clear explanations make it easy to reinforce learning during the winter months without burning kids out. Everything is organized by grade and subject so you can quickly find what each child needs without juggling multiple resources. Over 15 million students use IXL and more than 75 research studies show it delivers real results. Peace of mind for homeschool parents make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and stories. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at www.ixl.comdragon. visit www.ixl.comdragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. Quince is all about elevated essentials that feel eff. Designed for layering and mixing, each piece helps build a timeless wardrobe made to last with versatile silhouettes and thoughtful details. They're the kind of styles you wear again and again. They've got the wardrobe staples with quality that's made to last 100%. Organic cotton sweaters Premium denim made with stretch for all day comfort luxe cotton cashmere blends perfect for the changing seasons. Everything you need for a wardrobe that actually lasts. And Quince works directly with safe ethical factories and cuts out the middlemen. So you're not paying for brand markup, just high quality clothing. Don't tell my husband, but I'm getting him a Mongolian cashmere classic cable sweater from Quince for Valentine's Day. He's gonna love it. It's so soft and so pretty and so expensive seeming but actually very reasonably priced and it'll be perfect for him to wear out to our Valentine's Day dinner. I can't wait to give it to him. Refresh your wardrobe with Quince. Go to quince.comstories for free shipping on your order and and 365 day returns

[A]

now available in Canada too.

[B]

That's quince.comstories to get free shipping and 365 day returns. Quints.com stories thanks. Enjoy the episode

[A]

Chapter 19 A Concert, A Catastrophe, and a Confession Marilla, can I go over to see Diana just for a minute? Asked Anne, running breathlessly down from the East Gable one February evening. I don't see what you want to be traipsing about after dark for, said Marilla. Shortly you and Diana walked home from school together and then stood down there in the snow for half an hour more, your tongues going the whole blessed time, clickety clack. So I don't think you're very badly off to see her again. But she wants to see me, pleaded Anne. She has something very important to tell me. How do you know she has? Because she just signaled to me from her window. We have arranged a way to signal with our candles and cardboard. We set the candle on the windowsill and make flashes by passing the cardboard back and forth. So many flashes mean a certain thing. It was my idea, Marilla. I'll warrant you it was, said Marilla emphatically. And the next thing you'll be setting fire to the curtains with your signaling nonsense. Oh, we're very careful, Marilla, and It's so interesting. Two flashes mean are you there? Three mean yes, and four no. 5 mean come over as soon as possible, because I have something important to reveal. Diana has just signaled five flashes, and I'm really suffering to know what it is. Well, you needn't suffer any longer, said Marilla sarcastically. You can go, but you're to be back here in just 10 minutes. Remember that. Anne did remember it, and was back in the stipulated time, although probably no mortal will ever know just what it cost her to confine the discussion of Diana's important communication within the limits of 10 minutes, but at least she had made good use of them. Oh, Marilla, what do you think you know? Tomorrow is Diana's birthday. Well, her mother told her she could ask me to go home with her from school and stay all night with her. And her cousins are coming over from Newbridge in a big sleigh to go to the Debating Club concert at the hall tomorrow night, and they are going to take Diana and me to the concert if you let me go that is, you will, won't you, Marilla? Oh, I feel so excited. You can calm down then, because you're not going to. You're better at home in your own bed. And as for that club concert, it's all nonsense. And little girls should not be allowed to go out to such places at all. I'm sure the Debating Club is a most respectable affair, pleaded Anne. I'm not saying it isn't. But you're not going to begin gadding about to concerts and staying out all hours of the night. Pretty doings for children. I'm surprised at Mrs. Barry's letting Diana go.

[B]

But it's such a very special occasion,

[A]

mourned Anne, on the verge of tears. Diana has only one birthday in a year. It isn't as if birthdays were common things, Marilla. Prissy Andrews is going to recite Curfew Must Not Ring Tonight. That is such a good moral piece, Marilla. I'm sure it would do me lots of good to hear it. And the choir are going to sing four lovely, pathetic songs that are pretty near as good as hymns. And, oh, Marilla, the minister is going to take part. Yes, indeed he is. He's going to give an address that will be just about the same thing as a sermon. Please, mand I go, Marilla. You heard what I said, Anne, didn't you? Take off your boots now and go to bed. It's past eight. There's just one more thing, Marilla, said Anne, with the air of producing the last shot in her locker, Mrs. Barry told Diana that we might sleep in the spare room bed. Think of the honor of your little Anne being put in the spare room bed. It's an honor you'll have to get along without. Go to bed, Anne, and don't let me hear another word out of you. When Anne, with tears rolling over her cheeks, had gone sorrowfully upstairs, Matthew, who had been apparently sound asleep on the lounge during the whole dialogue, opened his eyes and said decidedly, well, now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go. I don't then, retorted Marilla, who's bringing this child up, Matthew, you or me? Well, now, you admitted, Matthew. Don't interfere then. Well, now, I ain't interfering. It ain't interfering to have your own opinion. And my opinion is that you ought to let Anne go. You'd think I ought to let Anne go to the moon if she took the notion, I've no doubt was Marilla's amiable rejoinder. I might have let her spend the night with Diana if That was all. But I don't approve of this concert plan. She'd go there and catch cold like as not, and have her head filled up with nonsense and excitement. It would unsettle her for a week. I understand that child's disposition and what's good for it better than you, Matthew. I think you ought to let Anne go, repeated Matthew firmly. Argument was not his strong point, but holding fast to his opinion certainly was. Marilla gave a gasp of helplessness and took refuge in silence. The next morning, when Anne was washing the breakfast dishes in the pantry, Matthew paused on his way out to the barn to say to Marilla again, I think you ought to let Anne go, Marilla. For a moment Marilla looked things not lawful to be uttered. Then she yielded to the inevitable and said, very well, she can go, since nothing else will please you. Anne flew out of the pantry, dripping dishcloth in hand. Oh, Marilla, Marilla, say those blessed words again. I guess once is enough to say them. This is Matthew's doings, and I wash my hands of it. If you catch pneumonia sleeping in a strange bed or coming out of that hot hall in the middle of the night, don't blame me. Blame Matthew. Anne Shirley, you're dripping greasy water all over the floor. I never saw such a careless child. Oh, I know I'm a great trial to you, Marilla, said Anne repentantly. I make so many mistakes. But then just think of all the mistakes I don't make. Although I might. I'll get some sand and scrub up the spots before I go to school. Oh, Marilla, my heart was just set on going to that concert. I never was to a concert in my life, and when the other girls talk about them in school, I feel so out of it. You didn't know just how I felt about it. But you see, Matthew did. Matthew understands me, and it's so nice to be understood, Marilla. Anne was too excited to do herself justice as to lessons that morning in school, Gilbert Blythe spelled her down in class and left her clear out of sight in mental arithmetic. Anne's consequent humiliation was less than it might have been, however, in view of the concert and the spare room bed. She and Diana talked so constantly about it all day that with a stricter teacher than Mr. Phillips, dire disgrace must inevitably have been their portion. Ann felt that she could not have borne it if she had not been going to the concert, for nothing else was discussed that day in school. The Avonlea Debating Club, which met fortnightly all winter, had had several smaller free entertainments, but this was to be a big affair. Admission $0.10 in aid of the library. The Avonlea young people had been practicing for weeks, and all the scholars were especially interested in it by reason of older brothers and sisters who were going to take part. Everybody in School over 9 years of age expected to go, except Carrie Sloan, whose father shared Marilla's opinions about small girls going out to night concerts. Carrie Sloan cried into her grammar all afternoon and felt that life was not worth living. For Anne, the real excitement began with the dismissal of school and increased therefrom and crescendo until it reached to a crash of positive ecstasy in the concert itself. They had a perfectly elegant tea, and then came the delicious occupation of dressing in Diana's little room upstairs. Diana did Anne's front hair in the new pompadour style, and Anne tied Diana's bows with the especial knack she possessed, and they experimented with at least half a dozen different ways of arranging their back hair. At last they were ready, cheeks scarlet and eyes glowing with excitement. True, Anne could not help a little pang when she contrasted her plain black tam and shapeless tight sleeved homemade gray cloth coat with Diana's jaunty fur cap and smart little jacket, but she remembered in time that she had an imagination and could use it. Then Diana's cousins, the Murrays from Newbridge, came. They all crowded into the big sleigh among straw and furry robes. Anne reveled in the drive to the hall, slipping along over the satin smooth roads with the snow crisping under the runners. There was a magnificent sunset, and the snowy hills and deep blue water of the St. Lawrence Gulf seemed to rim in the splendor like a huge bowl of pearl and sapphire brimmed with wine and fire. Tinkles of sleigh bells and distant laughter that seemed like the mirth of wood elves came from every quarter. Oh, Diana, breathed Anne, squeezing Diana's mittened hand under the fur robe. Isn't it all like a beautiful dream? Do I really look the same as usual? I feel so different that it seems to me it must show in my looks. You look awfully nice, said Diana, who, having just received a compliment from one of her cousins, felt that she ought to pass it on. You've got the loveliest color. The program that night was a series of thrills for at least one listener in the audience, and as Anne assured Diana, every succeeding thrill was thrillier than the last, when Prissy Andrews, attired in a new pink silk waist with a string of pearls about her smooth white throat and real carnations in her hair. Rumor whispered that the master had sent all the way to town for them, for her. Climbed the slimy ladder, dark without one ray of light, Anne shivered in luxurious sympathy. When the choir sang far above the gentle daisies, Anne gazed at the ceiling as if it were frescoed with angels. When Sam Sloane proceeded to explain and illustrate how Sochary said a hen, Anne laughed until people sitting near her laughed too, more out of sympathy with her than with amusement at a selection that was rather threadbare even in avonlea. And when Mr. Phillips gave Mark Antony's oration over the dead body of Caesar in the most heart stirring tones, looking at Percy Andrews at the end of every sentence, Anne felt that she could rise and mutiny on the spot if but one Roman citizen led the way. Only one number on the program failed to interest her. When Gilbert Blythe recited Bingin on the Rhine, Anne picked up Rhoda Murray's library book and read it until he had finished, when she sat rigidly stiff and motionless while Diana clapped her hands until they tingled. It was 11 when they got home, sated with dissipation but with the exceeding sweet pleasure of talking it all over. Still to come. Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this.

[B]

If you'd like Stories Podcast and other

[A]

favorite kid Podcasts ad free.

[B]

Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts February can be a tough stretch for homeschool families. Shorter days, busy schedules and motivation that starts to dip. IXL helps keep learning consistent, focused and moving forward without stress. IXL is an award winning online learning platform that fits seamlessly into homeschooling. It offers interactive practice across math, language arts, science and social studies from Pre

[A]

K through 12th grade.

[B]

IXL personalizes learning for each child, keeps them engaged, and gives parents clear insight into progress. IXL's interactive practice and clear explanations make it easy to reinforce learning during the winter months without burning kids out. Everything is organized by grade and subject, so you can quickly find what each child needs without juggling multiple resources. Over 15 million students use IXL and more than 75 research studies show it delivers real results. Peace of mind for homeschool parents make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL now and stories. Podcast listeners can get an exclusive 20% off IXL membership when they sign up today at www.ixl.comdragon. visit www.ixl.comdragon to get the most effective learning program out there at the best price. The New Year is here. One of my resolutions was to finally get my house fully organized and beautiful. And Wayfair has everything I need to do just that. From storage solutions for every room in the house, to bedding, to couches and even kitchen appliances, Wayfair is your one stop shop. One of the rooms we were really hoping to spruce up this year is my daughter's bedroom. She moved into a big kid bed not that long ago and we've had her sleeping on a mattress on the floor. This was a good idea for safety reasons. She can't fall out of the bed and hurt herself too badly when she's already on the floor. But it really didn't look that great.

[A]

Thanks to Wayfair, we were able to do a huge upgrade. Birdie's bed is still low to the

[B]

ground, but now it's on a beautiful bed frame that looks like a little house. It has a canopy and everything and it's so cute. I would have loved something like this in my room when I was a little girl. And I'm so excited to give it to my daughter now. She loves it and I love it too, because her bedroom looks so much better. Someday maybe we'll replace all the furniture in her room and when we do, Wayfair has everything we need. Get organized, refreshed and back on track this new year. For way less, head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. That's W-A-F-A-I-R.com Wayfair Every style, every Home

[A]

have you ever had a time when your kid is screaming and crying, throwing up and running a fever and you just realized you're completely out of Baby Tylenol and Pedialyte?

[B]

I have, and that's why I use DoorDash. Being a person is hard enough these

[A]

days, let alone a parent.

[B]

No matter how hard you plan or

[A]

how prepared you try to be, sometimes

[B]

life with kids gets a little chaotic.

[A]

Real life needs real relief. That's why doordash is there for whatever you need whenever you need it. For those days when everyone is sick and you're completely out of tissues and NyQuil? Or the days when your kid lets you know at the last minute that they have a project due tomorrow and you can't find any glue sticks in the entire house? Or when you've been running from gymnastics

[B]

to play rehearsal to hockey practice and

[A]

everyone is exhausted and needs a little treat. Doordash is there when life happens. Get a little order delivered with doordash order. Now everybody seemed asleep, and the house was dark and silent. Anne and Diana tiptoed into the parlor, a long narrow room out of which the spare room opened. It was pleasantly warm and dimly lighted by the embers of a fire in the grate. Let's undress here, said Diana. It's so nice and warm. Hasn't it been a delightful time? Sighed Anne rapturously. It must be splendid to get up and recite there. Do you suppose we will ever be asked to do it, Diana? Yes, of course. Someday. They're always wanting the big scholars to recite. Gilbert Blythe does often, and he's only two years older than us. Oh, Anne, how could you pretend not to listen to him when he came to the line? There's another, not a sister. He looked right down at you, Diana, said Anne with dignity. You are my bosom friend, but I cannot allow even you to speak to me of that person. Are you ready for bed? Let's run a race and see who will get to the bed first. The suggestion appealed to Diana. The two little white clad figures flew down the long room flat through the spare room door and bounded on the bed at the same moment. And then something moved beneath them. There was a gasp and a cry, and somebody said in muffled accents, merciful goodness. Anne and Diana were never able to tell just how they got off that bed and out of that room. They only knew that after one frantic rush they found themselves tiptoeing shiveringly upstairs. Oh, who was it? What was it? Whispered Anne, her teeth chattering with cold and fright. It was Aunt Josephine, said Diana, gasping with laughter. Oh, Anne. It was Aunt Josephine, however she came to be there. Oh, and I know she will be furious. It's dreadful. It's really dreadful. But did you ever know anything so funny? Anne, who is your Aunt Josephine? She's father's aunt and she lives in Charlottetown. She's awfully old. Seventy, anyhow, and I don't believe she was ever a little girl. We were expecting her out for a visit, but not so soon. She's awfully prim and proper, and she'll scold dreadfully about this, I know. Well, we'll have to sleep with Minnie Mae, and you can't think how she kicks. Ms. Josephine Barry did not appear at the early breakfast the next morning. Mrs. Barry smiled kindly at the two little girls. Did you have a good time last night? I tried to stay awake until you came home, for I wanted to tell you Aunt Josephine had come and that you would have to go Upstairs after all. But I was so tired I fell asleep. I hope you didn't disturb your Aunt Diana. Diana preserved a discreet silence, but she and Anne exchanged furtive smiles of guilty amusement across the table. Anne hurried home after breakfast and so remained in blissful ignorance of the disturbance which presently resulted in the Barry household until the late afternoon when she went down to Mrs. Lynde's on an errand for Marilla. So you and Diana nearly frightened poor old Miss Barry to death last night, said Mrs. Lynde severely, but with a twinkle in her eye. Mrs. Barry was here a few minutes ago on her way to Carmody. She's feeling real worried over it. Old Miss Barry was in a terrible temper when she got up this morning and Josephine Barry's temper is no joke, I can tell you that. She wouldn't speak to Diana at all. It wasn't Diana's fault, said Anne contritely. It was mine. I suggested, racing to see who would get into bed first. I knew it, said Mrs. Lynde with the exultation of a correct guesser. I knew that idea came out of your head. Well, it's made a nice lot of trouble, that's what. Old Miss Barry came out to stay for a month but she declares she won't stay another day and is going right back to town to morrow Sunday and all as it is. She'd have gone today if they could have taken her. She had promised to pay for a quarter's music lessons for Diana but now she is determined to do nothing at all for such a tomboy. Oh, I guess they had a lively time of it there this morning. The Barrys must feel cut up. Old Miss Barry is rich and they'd like to keep on the good side of her. Of course, Mrs. Barry didn't say just that to me but I'm a pretty good judge of human nature, that's what I'm such an unlucky girl, mourned Anne. I'm always getting into scrapes myself and getting my best friends, people I'd shed my heart's blood for into them too. Can you tell me why it is so, Mrs. Lynde? It's because you're too heedless and impulsive, child, that's what you never stop to think. Whatever comes into your head to say or do, you say or do it without a moment's reflection. Oh, but that's the best of it, protested Anne. Something just flashes into your mind so exciting and you must out with it. If you stop to think it over you spoil it all. Haven't you never felt that yourself, Mrs. Lynde? No, Mrs. Lynde had not. She shook her head sagely. You must learn to think a little, Anne. That's what the proverb you need to go by is, look before you leap, especially into spare room beds. Mrs. Lynde laughed comfortably over her mild joke, but Anne remained pensive. She saw nothing to laugh at in the situation, which to her eyes appeared very serious. When she left Mrs. Lynde's, she took her way across the crusted fields to Orchard Slope. Diana met her at the kitchen door. Your Aunt Josephine was very cross about it, wasn't she? Whispered Anne. Yes, answered Diana, stifling a giggle, with an apprehensive glance over her shoulder at the closed sitting room door. She was fairly dancing with rage. Anne. Oh, how she scolded. She said I was the worst behaved girl she ever saw and that my parents ought to be ashamed of the way they had brought me up. She says she won't stay and I'm sure I don't care, but Father and Mother do. Why didn't you tell them it was my fault? Demanded Anne. It's likely I'd do such a thing, isn't it? Said Diana with just scorn. I'm no telltale, Anne Shirley, and anyhow I was just as much to blame as you. Well, I'm going in to tell her myself, said Anne resolutely. Diana stared. Anne, surely you'd never. Why, she'll eat you alive. Don't frighten me any more than I am frightened, implored Anne. I'd rather walk up to a cannon's mouth, but I've got to do it, Diana. It was my fault and I've got to confess. I've had practice in confessing, fortunately. Well, she's in the room, said Diana. You can go in if you want to. I wouldn't dare, and I don't believe you'll do a bit of good. With this encouragement, Anne bearded the lion in its den, that is to say, walked resolutely up to the sitting room door and knocked faintly. A sharp come in followed. Ms. Josephine Barry, thin, prim and rigid, was knitting fiercely by the fire, her wrath quite unappeased and her eyes snapping through her gold rimmed glasses. She wheeled around in her chair expecting to see Diana and beheld a white faced girl whose great eyes were brimmed up with a mixture of desperate courage and shrinking terror. Who are you? Demanded Ms. Josephine Barry without ceremony. I'm Anne of Green Gables, said the small visitor, tremulously clasping her hands with her characteristic gesture. And I come to confess, if you please. Confess what? That it was all my fault about jumping into bed on you last night. I suggested it. Diana would never have thought of such a thing. I am sure. Diana is a very ladylike girl, Ms. Barry, so you must see how unjust it is to blame her. Oh, I must, hey. I rather think Diana did her share of the jumping, at least. Such carryings on in a respectable house. But we were only in fun, persisted Anne. I think you ought to forgive us, Ms. Berry, now that we've apologized. And anyhow, please forgive Diana and let her have her music lessons. Diana's heart is set on her music lessons, Ms. Barry, and I know too well what it is to set your heart on a thing and not get it. If you must be cross with anyone, be cross with me. I've been so used in my early days to having people cross at me that I can endure it much better than Diana can. Much of the snap had gone out of the old lady's eyes by this time and was replaced by a twinkle of amused interest. But she still said severely, I don't think it is any excuse for you that you are only in fun. Little girls never indulged in that kind of fun when I was young. You don't know what it is to be awakened out of a sound sleep after a long and arduous journey by two great girls coming bounce down on you. I don't know, but I can imagine, said Anne eagerly. I'm sure it must have been very disturbing. But then there is our side of it, too. Have you any imagination, Ms. Barry? If you have just put yourself in our place. We didn't know there was anybody in that bed and you nearly scared us to death. It was simply awful the way we felt. And then we couldn't sleep in the spare room after being promised. I suppose you are used to sleeping in spare rooms. But just imagine what you would feel like if you were a little orphan girl who had never had such an honor. All the snap had gone by this time Ms. Barry actually laughed, a sound which caused Diana waiting in speechless anxiety in the kitchen outside to to give a great gasp of relief. I'm afraid my imagination is a little rusty. It's so long since I've used it, she said. I dare say your claim to sympathy is just as strong as mine. It all depends on the way we look at it. Sit down here and tell me about yourself. I am very sorry I Can't, said Anne firmly. I would like to, because you seem like an interesting lady and you might even be a kindred spirit, although you don't look very much like it. But it is my duty to go home to Miss Marilla Cuthbert. Miss Marilla Cuthbert is a very kind lady who has taken me to bring up properly. She is doing her best, but it is very discouraging work. You must not blame her because I jumped on the bed. But before I go, I do wish you would tell me if you will forgive Diana and stay just as long as you meant to in Avonlea. I think perhaps I will, if you will come over and talk to me occasionally, said Ms. Barry. That evening, Ms. Barry gave Diana a silver bangle bracelet and told the senior members of the household that she had unpacked her valise. I've made up my mind to stay simply for the sake of getting better acquainted with that Anne girl, she said. Frankly, she amuses me, and at my time of life, an amusing person is a rarity. Marilla's only comment when she heard the story was, I told you so. This was for Matthew's benefit. Ms. Barry stayed her month out and over. She was a more agreeable guest than usual, for Anne kept her in good humor. They became firm friends. When Ms. Barry went away, she said, remember you, Anne girl, when you come to town, you're to visit me and I'll put you up in my very sparest spare room, bed to sleep. Ms. Berry was a kindred spirit after all, anne confided to Marilla. You wouldn't think so to look at her, but she is. You don't find it right out at first, as in Matthew's case, but after a while you come to see it. Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world. Today's story was a chapter of Anne of Green Gables, written for your by Lucy Maud Montgomery, edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin, and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on iTunes.

[B]

Check out all of our merch [e-mail]

[A]

Shop Commission a special video on Cameo.

[B]

Follow us on Instagram Tories Podcast or simply tell your friends about us.

[A]

Thanks for listening.