Read:An Inward Treasure Born

[soft music] Merci. [Anne, singing]: Cordelia Nothing rhymes with your name Not going to school again today? [Anne, singing]: There's no need to be ashamed Even though you're strange and plain Cordelia Nothing rhymes with your name But don't be ashamed Even though you're strange and plain Isn't she supposed to be collecting the eggs? If she doesn't go back to school soon, you may have to send us both to the loony bin.

Hello, little miss. Marilla: And you'll need to test the pie's doneness with a small knife. Anne: I will. Marilla: Watch the clock carefully, Anne, so as not to burn it. Anne: I will. Marilla: I don't want to return from Rachel's to find Green Gables a smoldering ruin. Anne: I will. Marilla: What? Anne: I mean I won't. I mean it won't. Don't worry, I'll go right in. Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home. Your house is on fire and your children are home. Marilla: Anne! Anne: I'm going!

[bleating] All except one and that's little Anne, for she crept under the frying pan. Marilla: And I'm at my wits' end. Rachel: Well since you've asked for my advice, Marilla, I would humour her a little while longer. Marilla: You really think it's better she continue to stay at home? Rachel: Yes. That is, I wouldn't say "school" again until she's said it herself. And she will. She won't be underfoot forever. Marilla: Truth is, I'm torn. Bright as she is, she had such a difficult start in life, she isn't always equipped for certain things. More's the pity: she had such a longing for school. Rachel: Bide your time, I'm telling you. Anne is a clever one and all. Too clever by half. She'll go back, that's for sure and certain. It's hard to have lofty ideas when you're stuck in a kitchen all day. Marilla: Speak for yourself. [Rachel laughing] She'll soon cool off in a week or so. Marilla: Or so? Rachel: Patience. Mark my words. Soon enough, she'll go back of her own accord. Marilla: God willing.

I think this length is fetching, Griselda. Yes. Yes, this will do nicely for dancing. Perhaps you could fashion a small loop at the hem so I can lift the train? [crackling] I do so appreciate all your careful attentions, Griselda. I think it's ever so important to give credit where credit is due. How awful it would be to be in service of those who neglect you or treat you unkindly. I can imagine that it would make you feel quite small and hopeless and occasionally despairing and lacking in confidence. I wonder if those feelings ever go away. I'll take tea in the library, Griselda! Today I'm going to climb the ladder to reach the loneliest book on the highest shelf Marilla: Oh, dear God! Anne! Anne: Marilla? Oh, the pie! [clatter] Marilla: Oh! Out of the way! Anne: I'm sorry! Marilla, I'm so sorry, I forgot! Marilla: I am aware! Don't just stand there with your teeth in your head. Open the door. Ah! [distant whinnying] Marilla: Oh Fetch the slop bucket. Although I'm not sure this is even fit for pigs! Anne: I'm very sorry, Marilla. I meant to watch the clock. Truly, I did. I was having the most delightful daydream. Marilla: Your mind is idle, Anne. Anne: It isn't idle at all. I was imagining that I'm wise Princess Cordelia, and I only have to touch a book to know its contents. Marilla: This has gone on long enough. Anne: No one thinks she's strange at all. In fact, she's embraced for being different. Marilla: Life is not magic, Anne. Anne: I know. Marilla: You can't just wish yourself away. I'm raising you and I know what's best. It's high time you went back to school. Anne: Please don't make me, Marilla! Please! I can't face it! [crying]: I promise I'll do better here, I promise! Marilla: You can stop all your bargaining, 'cause there's no use in it. Anne: But Matthew said I didn't have to go back! Marilla: What now? Anne: He understands that school is a torment for me. But of course he'd understand! He's a kindred spirit! I don't have any friends! Marilla: You've got Diana. Anne: No! She can't like me when no one else does! Don't you see?! Marilla: Calm yourself. Anne: And Gil- [hesitates] Well, there's a boy whose sole purpose in life is to humiliate me! Marilla: Stuff and nonsense. Anne: I don't fit in! Marilla: You're going back to school tomorrow and that's final. [sobbing] [intense violin music] [cattle lowing] Marilla: Matthew Cuthbert, the time has come to end this foolishness. I have allowed you to interfere and coddle that child! Matthew: I was only sympathizing. Marilla: Did we or did we not agree that her raising is up to me? Matthew: I didn't mean to put my oar in. I hate it when she's upset, is all. Marilla: Well, I hope you're happy, 'cause she's inside right now, waltzing around a smoldering kitchen! Matthew: She does seem to be a bit at sixes and sevens. Marilla: A bit? She almost burnt down our home!

[man]: Move, ya little scarecrow! [woman]: Nothing but a miserable piece of trash! [girl]: Don't worry, Anne. I'll always be your friend. We have each other. Anne: Katie? Katie, is that you? [breathing raggedly] [sniffling] Katie Maurice are you in there? Please, Katie. Please. [sobbing] I'm sorry I had to leave you at Mrs. Hammond's. You have no idea how grateful I'd be if you'd visit me here. Katie? [Marilla]: Idle hands are the devil's workshop. So if it's alright with you, even though you know best, I would like to suggest that she return to school tomorrow. [cattle lowing] [soft music] [bell ringing] [birds cawing] [door creaking] Marilla: What brings you inside this time of day? What is it you need, Matthew? Matthew: I-I'll take a coffee. Marilla: At three in the afternoon? Matthew: Or-or tea. Marilla: Tea will be ready at 4:00, just like every other day. Matthew: Right, then. Marilla: She'll get used to school soon enough, same as all the other children. Matthew: But... Marilla: But what? Matthew: Anne's not like the others. Marilla: You're too soft with her, Matthew. Matthew: We'll not ask her too many questions when she gets back. Can we agree on that?

I don't want to open a can of worms. She'll learn to like it, and that's that. Afternoon. Anne? Anne? I'm sure you're both wondering how the school day went. I'm pleased to report it wasn't as bad as I thought. I enjoyed myself. [sighing with relief] Well, that's just fine. Do you not have homework? Where are your books? Oh, I didn't need to bring them home today. I'll go put this down on the bench. Hello, Katie? I brought you your favourite flower. It's a wild rose. Katie I wish you were here. [Marilla]: Come along, Anne. [birds squawking] [rooster crowing] Well, my bed's all made! May I take an extra apple, Marilla, in case I have a friend to share it with? Help yourself. Isn't it wonderful that every day can be an adventure? You're chipper this morning. It all depends on how you look at things. Well, I'm all ready for school. I'll just go fetch my hat. I'm expecting to learn about the District of Saskatchewan today. Isn't Saskatchewan just the most delicious name to say? I'd like to go there someday. It's exciting to learn about all the places one might go. I think the Prairies hold a lot of appeal. Well, time to go! Goodbye, Marilla. I hope you don't envy me too much in this time of great learning in my young life. [cattle lowing] Anne stays so late in school. She enjoys it now? It seems she does. Thank you. Hello, ladies. Hello. [knocking] Good afternoon, Miss Cuthbert. Good afternoon, Diana. This is Miss Ruby Gillis. Hello. Hello. What brings you both by? We thought Anne might like to have her books and everything. Nice to meet you. Come on, Diana. We've been worrying about her. Isn't that right, Ruby? Diana especially. Did something happen? Anne's suffering, isn't she? I just know it. Anne is too sensitive for this world. That's what she told me once, anyway. Is she truly never coming back to school? If she's not, then we can sit together, Diana. When did you last see her? It's been days and days. I never imagined she wouldn't come back. Neither did I. May we say hello to her? Anne is running an errand at present, but I'll be sure to tell her you were here. Please do, Miss Cuthbert. Please tell Anne I miss her very much. You can count on it.

The name Saskatchewan originated with the Plains Indians. Their word was "kisiskatchewan," meaning the river that flows swiftly, in reference to the most important waterways running through their territory, the North and South Saskatchewan Rivers. I love the way Native names always mean something specific, don't you? I wonder what my name would be if I was a North American Native? Fire-Haired Dreamer? Or maybe She Who Speaks With Trees. I know. Kindred Spirit. That could work! What's that, dear Griselda? Yes, you're right, as usual. It's getting late and your princess must away to her castle. I'll see you in the bright and shiny morning, dear students.

Anne: Sorry I'm late. There was just so much to learn! Marilla: How was the District of Saskatchewan? Anne: Oh, fascinating. I had another excellent day. I learned so much and I imagine Mr. Phillips was quite impressed and- [she stops as she sees her school stuff]

Marilla: And she lied and then lied some more. Right to our faces. I've been doing my best to teach her right from wrong, but, well, this matter is so grave that we knew we had to bring it to you. Minister: Indeed, indeed. You did right. It's a very good thing I'm here. God frowns on fibbing, young lady. Anne: I imagine he does. I see now how truly wrong I was. Wrong and disrespectful. I assure you, Minister, I am full of woe. Minister: Yes Anne: And also dismay. With a good measure of chagrin. I can only hope it pleases God to know how truly unhappy I am. Does it? Minister: That is something you must pray on. Now, Anne, you must always remember: honesty is the best policy. Anne: Honesty isn't actually a policy, though, is it? Minister: I beg your pardon? Marilla: Anne! Anne: Well, I believe that wh- Minister: I see now what you're up against. It doesn't matter what you think! Anne: About anything, or Minister: Do you agree never to lie again? Anne: Is a lie of omission really a lie? Marilla: You see? She's not sorry. Anne: I am sorry, Marilla. I truly am sorry for vexing you and for- Marilla: You said you were going to school. Anne: I went in a fashion. Marilla: Do you take us for fools? Anne: But they hate me there! Minister: Enough! You must learn to harness yourself. I see what the problem is here. Oh, yes, I do indeed. And I have divined an answer. This problem is easily solved. If the girl doesn't want to go to school, then she shouldn't go. She should stay home and learn proper housekeeping until she marries. Then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." There's no need for her to bother with an education. Every young woman should learn how to be a good wife.

Anne: I don't know quite what I expected the minister to say, but I assure you it wasn't that. And I fear preparing myself to be a wife will be a powerful challenge for you, Marilla. Admittedly I'm very homely and clumsy. It'll be a big surprise to both of us if I marry someday. I certainly never expected to, but if God decrees it Marilla: Will you please go in the barn and see if there's anything needs doing? I need to hear myself think. [sighing] Anne: Marilla wants me to find some outdoor chores to do. Matthew: Jerry's in the loft. He'll tell you what needs doing. Anne: You're so lucky to be a boy, Jerry. Boys can do anything you want. And boys have every opportunity. Jerry: You can go to school if you want. Anne: Wait. Does that mean school's out of the question for you? Jerry: Where do you think I'd rather be? Anne: I hadn't really thought about it. There are so many things I hadn't thought of before today. I don't see how I'm ever gonna be a good wife, quite frankly. Jerry: Probably not. Anne: I have such a bad temper. Jerry: True. Anne: And I'm dreadfully wicked, and impatient and skinny and homely. Don't say anything, Jerry! I never thought that a wife is what I would be. [sighing] [soft music] Anne: There have to be other options. What do you want to be? Jerry: I do this. Anne: But what if I was a published author? Or what if I were in command of an army like Joan of Arc? Or if I became an explorer and discovered new lands? I don't need school for any of those things. Why aren't you answering my question? Jerry: My brother's apprentice as a blacksmith. The other learns to become a butcher. I could be a smithy, I suppose. Anne: But what do you want, Jerry?! You could be a cartographer or an aviator. You could even lead a safari! Jerry: I don't know what you're talking about. Anne: Come on, Jerry, use your imagination! Jerry: No, seriously, I don't know any of those words. Anne: Oh. Well, you get the idea. And I'm not sure about you, but suddenly I feel absolutely ablaze with possibility! Jerry: Or you could just go to school. Because you can. Go find something else to do. [squawking] [door opening] Hello? Marilla? What are you doing? You know the stove's gone cold? My, my. This is unlike you. I have no idea what's "like me." None at all. I'll light the stove. I, uh I suppose your mind is burdened, then, by the minister's visit. Oh, everything is just peaches and cream, thank you for asking. Now, is there anything I can bake or clean, or mend or fetch for you?! [crickets chirring] [owl hooting] [bells ringing] Anne: Marilla? Marilla!! What's happening? Marilla: There's a fire in town. Pull on your boots and hurry down. [horse snorting] Fetch the cellar buckets. We'll slop the pigs on our way. Quick like a bunny. Quick, quick! Fetch every bucket you can find. Hold them still with the blankets. [horse neighing] Bring the lantern. [neighing] Keep those buckets comin'! Keep them movin'. Pass these down the line! Hurry, hurry! We need more buckets! This is the Gillis's house. Oh, poor Ruby. [people shouting]: Hurry, hurry! [people shouting]: Get the horses out of here. [people shouting] [neighing] Run to our place and get some more buckets! [shouting] Anne! Anne! Oh, I've missed you so much! [windows shattering] [people screaming] [man]: Stay clear, stay clear! Give us a hand with the ladder! Coming up, coming up! Hurry, hurry! Get the buckets for Gilbert! Oh, no! [neighing] Where's the fire wagon?! Boys, let's go, let's go! It's on its way! Anne: It's burning so fierce. Is everyone out of the house? Diana: Yeah. That's the Gillis family over there. You see Ruby? [man]: Hey, keep the water coming! Come on! Anne: Why are the doors and windows open? [man]: We need more water! [woman]: Watch out! [man]: Make way, make way! What? [bells ringing] The fire wagon! Get back! Fire wagon! Get back! Come on, let's go! Diana: Anne? Get back, get back! No! Anne! Anne! Anne! Anne! Anne! [coughing] [panting] [coughing] Anne! [coughing] [Diana]: Anne!!! What is it? What's wrong? It's Anne! What's happened to Anne? Anne! She ran inside! Let me go! No! I need to get Anne! [coughing] [fire crackling] Anne! No! No, let me go! I need to get Anne! Stay here! There's Anne! Is that her? Oh, my God. Alright, it's slowing down! We can do this! Keep 'em coming! Where is she? I don't understand. Where is she? Dear God in heaven! Anne! Somebody help over here! Mr. Cuthbert, Mr. Cuthbert, help! [coughing] [wood creaking] [man shouting] Lift it off. Other end. [mumbling] Quick, quick, quick, quick, quick. [horses neighing] [woman praying] Anne! Anne! Anne! Oh, Anne! Oh, Anne! Oh! Anne! [moaning] Find out what's happened! Anne! Oh, she's alright! I'm sorry. I'm alright. She's alright! What were you thinking?! Did it help? Why ever did you run inside?! She ran inside! Did it slow it down? What were you thinking? Fire-fire needs oxygen. Closing windows and doors deprives it Oh, my word! Anne slowed down the fire! However do you know that? It was Anne! She did it! The Fire Manual in the orphanage. There wasn't much else to read. [coughing] Here, here. Oof. [laughter] [coughing]

Minister: And we thank thee, O Lord, for your mercy. And of some have compassion making a difference, others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hastening even the garments, spotted by the flesh, now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present your faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Jerry: Maybe you could be a firefighter. Minister: we thank thee for watching over us, and keeping all in our community safe from harm. Praise be to God almighty.

Alright, it's settled. The Gillis family will be billeted out to the Barrys, the Cuthberts and ourselves. With all the men pulling together, we figure the major repairs will take about a week. Sounds about right. Jerry and I will put things right at Green Gables and be back as soon as we can. As will I. I'll bring as many hands as I can spare. Thank you. What a thing. What a thing. We'll get it all squared away, never fear. We owe you all a great debt of thanks, especially dear Anne, risking your life for us and taking such quick action. And, ladies, thank you kindly for agreeing to take the children. Especially since school won't be in session. You'll have your hands full. Ruby, come here, please. It's no trouble at all. We're happy to have her. Now Anne and Ruby can get to know each other better. What? No. Mother! Ruby? I don't want to stay there! My, my. Calm yourself. Why can't I stay with Diana?! That's enough. The plan is set. I'll never live it down! Please don't make me! I won't have any more of this. After the events of this evening, you should be grateful to have a bed to sleep in at all. Hear, hear. I apologize. I simply... [crying] It doesn't matter what the other girls think, Ruby, it matters what you think. And I, for one, think Anne is marvellous and brave. I'll visit soon, alright? [sniffling] It's alright. Don't worry. I'm sure no one will think you're my friend. I reckon we should be off. Now, I'd like the two of you to go upstairs to bed for a few hours. You both need rest after that terrible night. I can help you, Marilla. I should fetch the eggs. You can, but you won't. Now up to bed with both of you. Anne, please see to it that your guest is comfortable. Come along, Ruby. I have a lovely gable room. And the cherry tree is ever so friendly. [Ruby crying] My first night here in this room, I cried as you do now. Try as I might, there was no hope for my imagination that cold night. Princess Cordelia was nowhere to be found. Princess Cordelia? Well she's a wise and solitary princess. She wears dresses of the finest silk and velvet with puff sleeves and ever so many flounces. One day Princess Cordelia arrived at the most beautiful kingdom in the world. She knew not a soul and was worried no one would like her. All my dresses will be ruined from the smoke! You can borrow one of mine. I have two! A week really isn't that long when you plan out all the things you want to do. Maybe you could start by imagining what colour you want your room to be. I know for a fact that it's good to have things to look forward to. I've always been partial to robin's egg blue. What colour do you like? Pink would also be divine. I never usually think of pink. Being as I'm so red-headed, it's out of the question. But you would look so pretty in a pink room. [sighing] We'll stay busy. I'm learning to bake. We can make some biscuits for the boys while they work. You can see Gilbert. Diana thought he cut quite a heroic figure putting out the blaze on your behalf. On my behalf. I hadn't really thought of it like that. I didn't notice, of course. I am not a Gilbert Blythe fan. I shall never forgive his insult, and I shall never be dissuaded from my low opinion of him. That's a good idea about the biscuits. It's a shame you're not in school anymore. You seem awful smart about things. It's best for everyone that I'm not there.

Put your backs into it, boys! [man]: There you go! How many would you like? Afternoon, Minister. I'm learning to bake. Care for a scone? Well, don't mind if I do. [chuckling] This is some heavy work. Hey, look, it's the freak and her new twin sister. As long as they bring food, I don't care if it's Quasimodo. Ah! Ruby! [boys laughing] That was great! Ruby, are you alright? [crying] [boys laughing] Anne: Ruby Billy: Girls are so useless. Guess you should've stayed home in the kitchen, eh?! Anne: What is wrong with you?! Billy: Go home and bake cookies! Gilbert: Headline: They already did. Anne: This is Ruby's property, or did you forget?! Billy: Why don't you shove off and leave the men to their work? Anne: Why don't you give me that hammer and I'll finish the job myself, if you're too busy being a bully to get it done!! [men laughing] Gilbert: Hey, here. You alright? There you are. Ruby: Thank you, Gilbert. Gilbert: Yeah, of course. Thanks for, uh, coming by to help feed the beasts. Ruby: Much obliged. Anne: You're welcome. Matthew, will you please bring the basket home later? Matthew: I'd better, if I know what's good for me. Gilbert: Um Anne: Come on, Ruby, let's get you home. You were right, Minister, honesty is the best policy. And it's also very satisfying. Ruby: Well, I [stammering] Gilbert is so chivalrous. Anne: Well, he's something alright.

Matthew: That was, uh, quite an incident up there at the Gillis house today. Nothing beats a redhead for a temper. Anne: Mm-hmm. Matthew: I meant you being as brave as you were. Anne: Oh. Matthew: If you were a boy, oh, that would've ended up in fisticuffs. Anne: I wouldn't have minded. Billy Andrews is a coward who deserves a good sock in the kisser. I could take him. Matthew: Ooh Not if you don't protect the nose! Oh! Anne: Oh! Matthew: Uh-oh! You're pretty good! You been taking lessons on the sly? [laughing] Oh! Just call me the Avonlea Ace! [grunting] You're a natural. Nose, nose, nose! Paw! Paw! Paw! Oh, jeez. Paw! Oh, jeez!

The inaugural meeting of the Avonlea Story Club is now in session. [laughter] Oh, Anne, this is so, so... Deliciously secret and scrumptiously exciting? You have such a way with words! I hardly know what you're saying half the time. [laughter] Thank you. Now, before we begin cultivating our imaginations, each of us should pick our nom de plume. See? It's happened again. [laughter] A nom de plume is a pen name for purposes of anonymity. I shall be writing under the name of Rosamond Montmorency. Oh, that gives me such a thrill. Once a week, we'll read our completed stories aloud to each other and talk them over thoughtfully. [ducks cackling overhead] I can't think of anything! Oh, I've got heaps of ideas if you need a little prompting to start. How about A Tale of Romance Most Divine and Tragical? [chuckling] [yawning] I can't believe I move back into my house tomorrow. And school will start again. Everything will be made right. I'll miss you, Anne. [door creaking] [sighing] [floor creaking] [door creaking] I thought you'd like to know that Ruby has gone to sleep. Well, thank you, Anne. It's handy that she can fall asleep so easily. She needs her rest seeing as how she's going home tomorrow and school will start again soon. Mm-hmm. I'm in a quandary. It worries me, what the minister said. Not the not-fibbing part. He was right about that. It's the "not going to school and being a wife" part. I've been pondering about that, too. His thinking seems a might old-fashioned to me. What do you think? Well, it doesn't provide much scope for the imagination, that's for sure and certain. Seems to me you should decide for yourself what you want to do and be, and set your mind to it. Maybe school wouldn't be so bad now that I have Diana and Ruby. You've got a good and nimble mind, Anne. I don't see why you should limit it. In my day, we didn't get to choose. I think you should make your own decision. [birdsong] [sighing] Goodbye, dear Katie. [children chattering] Settle down. Don't make me ask you again. Open your readers to chapter 12. When I turn around, you best have your readers open. It's Anne! [all gasping]: Anne! She's here! She's back. Anne! [laughter] Missed you so much. [laughter] Anne Shirley-Cuthbert, take your seat.