Classic Starts® by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Classic Starts® by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Author:Lucy Maud Montgomery
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Published: 2010-12-07T00:00:00+00:00


CHAPTER 12

A Concert and a Catastrophe

Marilla, can I go over to see Diana for a minute?” asked Anne, rushing down from her room.

“I don’t want you running about after dark,” Marilla said. “You saw Diana all day at school and you walked home together. What more do you need to say?”

“But she wants to see me,” pleaded Anne. “She sent a message to me from her window with a candle. So many flashes mean a certain thing. Diana just flashed five times, which means she needs to see me right away.”

“Oh, very well, Anne,” Marilla said finally. “I want you back here in ten minutes.”

Anne quickly put on her coat and boots and ran down the hill to meet Diana. She was back in the kitchen just ten minutes later, breathless and excited.

“Oh, Marilla, can you believe it? Tomorrow is Diana’s birthday and her mother says I can sleep overnight at their place. Diana’s cousins are coming in and we’re all going to a concert at the town hall.” Anne could barely contain herself.

“Don’t get so excited, Anne,” Marilla said. “I don’t think staying up late and traveling to concerts in winter is a good idea.”

“But it’s a very special occasion,” Anne pleaded. “Couldn’t we make an exception? There will be speeches and stories. Prissy Andrews is reading a poem.”

“You heard what I said, Anne. Now, take off your boots and go to bed.”

Once again Matthew stepped in. When Anne was safely upstairs he told Marilla that he thought Anne should go to the concert. After a short talk, Marilla walked to Anne’s room to say she had changed her mind. Anne, of course, was overjoyed.

The next night’s activities began with an “elegant tea” at Diana’s house. Then they got dressed for their night out. Anne was a little sad because her dress was so plain next to Diana’s, but not too sad. She was so excited about the evening’s events that little else mattered.

Diana’s cousins arrived in a sleigh. Anne and Diana joined them among the blankets and straw, marveling at the beautiful sunset as they rode. Anne paid close attention to every detail, every word spoken, because she knew this was a night to remember.

The concert was a series of thrills—all the readings and songs. The one disappointment for Anne was Gilbert Blythe’s reading. Anne picked up a library book and held it in front of her face. When he was finished, and the clapping was over, she returned the book to her lap.

They returned to the Barrys’ at eleven o’clock. The house was dark and quiet. Mr. Barry lit the hall lamp for them as they took off their coats and boots.

Anne suggested a race to the bedroom. They ran toward Diana’s room, giggling, flung open the door, and leaped onto the bed.

And what did they find? Well, they weren’t alone. As soon as they landed on the bed, they heard a muffled cry: “Merciful goodness!”

The two girls, shocked and surprised, ran just as quickly out of the room.



Download



Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.