User:SusannahWithAnH/Sandbox

Bits and pieces (drafts, current projects and such).

Anne of Windy Poplars Transcript
''SCENE: A moving train. (1:20)''

Vendor: Lemon drops? Apples, bananas? Oranges?

Anne: [reading a letter] 'My dear Miss Shirley, this is to confirm your appointment as vice-principal at the Pringleton School. Vice-principals have always boarded with Mrs Stephen Pringle. If you will communicate with her ...'

Anne & Gilbert together: '... I am sure you will find satisfactory accommodations upon your arrival.'

Anne: 'Yours very truly, Harvey M. J. Simpson [??], Superintendent.' I hope I'll like rooming with Mrs Pringle. Just think, Gilbert, I'm going to be a vice-principal my very first job.

Gilbert: And your last, too. This time next year, you'll be Mrs Gilbert Blythe.

Anne: Mrs Dr Gilbert Blythe.

[they laugh and kiss]

Anne: Gilbert!

Gilbert: [displaying Anne's engagement ring] It's all right, folks, we're engaged.

Husband: I know. We were in love once. [his wife looks affronted] Er, er, I mean, er, we've been in love for twenty years.

[Gilbert kisses Anne]

Anne: Stop, stop!

Voice: Next stop, Pringleton!

Anne: This is where I get off, Dr Blythe.

[they gather up their things]

Gilbert: Promise to write to me every hour.

[Anne steps off the train]

Anne: Every half hour. [...] at the hospital, darling. I'll be thinking of you every minute.

[the train begins to move away - Anne and Gilbert mouth 'I love you' at each other via a window]

Mrs Stephen Pringle: Miss Shirley?

Anne: Yes?

Mrs Stephen Pringle: I'm Mrs Stephen Pringle.

Anne: How do you do, Mrs Pringle.

Mrs Stephen Pringle: How do you do.

Anne: It's nice of you to meet me. I just know I'm going to love it here, and I do want you to know how much I appreciate your kind invitation to let me board with --

Mrs Stephen Pringle: That's what I want to tell you, Miss Shirley. 'Fraid you can't.

Anne: I can't?

Mrs Stephen Pringle: Sorry if I've put you out any.

Anne: Well, er, could you possibly suggest some other place I can --

Mrs Stephen Pringe: I'm afraid I can't. Good day. [she turns to go]

Anne: Good day.

''[Mrs Stephen Pringle leaves. Anne is left alone on the platform. A horse and carriage pulls up.]''

Jabez: Carriage, miss?

Anne: Yes, I suppose so.

[He takes her case, helps her on and starts driving.]

''SCENE: The carriage drive. (4:22)''

Jabez: Where to, miss?

Anne: I don't know.

Jabez: How's that?

Anne: [laughs] I'd better explain. My name is Anne Shirley. I'm to be the new vice-principal at the school.

Jabez: Oh, pleased to meet you. I'm Jabez Monkman. I'm with the school too, 'cept during summer vacation.

Anne: You are?

[he nods]

Anne: A teacher?

Jabez: Nope -- janitor. Reckon you'll be boarding with Mrs Stephen Pringle.

Anne: Well, I was expecting to, but, er, she's 'fraid certain things have come up.

Jabez: What'd you do to her, boss?

Anne: Do?

Jabez: You must have done something to get her dander up.

Anne: But -- but I didn't do anything to, er, get her dander up. In fact, I hardly even got to talk to her.

Jabez: Oh, well. I reckon one of the Pringles will be glad to grab you off.

Anne: How many are there?

Jabez: Scads -- brothers and sisters and cousins and in-laws. They're sort of the ee-lite of Pringleton.

Anne: Well, I suppose the ee-lite should be good enough for me.

''SCENE: Anne is on the front porch of a house. (5:14)''

Woman: Sorry, I'm not boarding people anymore. Haven't for several years now. Good day. [she walks away inside and shuts the door in Anne's face]

''SCENE: Anne is walking up a path from a house. (5:24)''

''SCENE: Another attempt. (5:27)''

Woman: I'm sorry. We're all filled up. [shuts the door]

''SCENE: Anne returns from another failed attempt. Jabez helps her up into the carriage. (5:33)''

Anne: You were wrong again, Mr Monkman. Miss Ernestine Pringle is not at home.

Jabez: Huh.

Anne: And the maid asked for my name before saying they were filled up.

Jabez: Well, there's still some others.

Anne: Are they all like the samples I've met?

Jabez: [nods] Just about.

Anne: Suppose we try some non-Pringles. I've had enough cold shoulders for one day.

Jabez: Maybe you're right, boss. Between you and me and the willow tree ...

Anne: Just a moment.

Jabez: [to the horse] Whoa!

Anne: That house. It's so lovely.

Jabez: Oh, that's Windy Poplars.

Anne: Windy Poplars! What a beautiful name.

Jabez: Awful nice folks there.

Anne: Somehow it reminds me of Green Gables. Wouldn't it be perfect if ... [turns to Jabez] Do you suppose they might have an extra room?

Jabez: Can't say. We ain't been on speaking terms for twelve years.

Anne: But you said that ...

Jabez: It's on account of old Hester Pringle. She's Captain Isaac's winow. Must be a thousand years old. But she bosses the whole tribe -- whole durn town, in fact. Miss Kate here is just about the only soul she ain't never been able to hog-tie.

Anne: Then I'm sure I'd love Miss Kate. I'm going in to speak to her.

[Jabez climbs off the carriage]

Anne: Will you wait for me?

Jabez: I can't exactly wait. Old Hester'd skin me alive. She hates the Windy Poplar folk, and she's scared of 'em, too.

Anne: She is? Why?

Jabez: I ain't saying. That's one of the things nobody talks about in Pringleton.

Anne: Well, couldn't you just kind of drive around for a few minutes?

Jabez: Well, churn my butter. I could do that, boss, couldn't I? [he helps her down]

[A man is seen walking around on the Windy Poplars property.]

Anne: Who's that?

Jabez: Oh, that's only Matey. He's brother to Miss Kate. You needn't be scared, though. He won't hurt a fly. Childish. I'll be back after a while, and if you're gone, I'll know Miss Kate took care of you. Good luck, boss.

Anne: Thank you.

''[He drives away. Anne walks up the drive of Windy Poplars and approaches Matey, who is tinkering with a model ship.]''

Anne: Hello, Matey.

Matey: Howdy, miss.

Anne: That's a three-masted schooner, isn't it?

Matey: Barquentine. You can tell by the square rig. The old white cap. Sailed on her, once. You like ships?

Anne: Yes.

Matey: [gestures to a boat on the bay, behind the house] What d'you think of that there craft?

Anne: Well, that's quite a ship.

Matey: [laughs] That ain't a ship; it's a boat. Fifteen-footer. Built every square inch with my own hands.

Anne: I bet you could sail clear across the bay.

Matey: [laughs] Yeah, I could have, once. But I can't sail any ways no more. Look. [gestures down]

Anne: Why, it's chained!

Matey: Lock and key. I'm only allowed to sit on it and make believe. They think if I ship out, I wouldn't come back.

Anne: Would you?

Matey: Nope. Don't guess I would. You see, I've been living for a pretty long spell. And I figured it would be real nice to end my voyage right about now.

Anne: Matey, you're going to live on for years and years.

Matey: Mmm. If they keep me here on land, I won't never die. When I die, it's gotta be at sea.

Rebecca, calling from the door: Matey?

Matey: Uh-oh. I guess I gotta go in now.

[He and Anne make their way towards the house.]

Anne: Your sister?

Matey: Housekeeper. Rebecca. [gestures to Anne as Rebecca approaches] She likes ships.

Anne: Hello.

Rebecca: 'Spect you're Miss Shirley.

Anne: Yes. How did you know?

Rebecca: Half a tale's enough for a wise man. I heard the Pringles weren't aiming to take ye in, so I figured you'd be hunting for a place.

Matey: Are you going to bunk in here with us?

Anne: I hope so. [turns to Rebecca] If there's room.

Rebecca: Well, we've got the room. But you'd better come talk to Miss Kate, seeing's I'm only the housekeeper.

[They go inside the house.]

Rebecca: I'll fetch Miss Kate. Go on in the sitting-room and sit. [she leaves]

Anne: Rough port here! I knew it would be like this. [sees a cat] Hello, you handsome fellow.

Matey: [rushes to pick up the cat], Oh, oh, Rebecca'll have a conniption, I figure, if she finds him in this room. Come on, Dusty Miller, nice little Dusty, nice little kitty ...

[Rebecca returns.]

Rebecca: Good grief, is that kitten in the sitting-room again? Take it out of here this very minute! Take it out! Beware the fury of a patient woman. Cat hairs over here, cat hairs over there ... [mutters to herself as Miss Kate enters] Miss Kate, this is the last straw. Either that beast goes or I do. This is Miss Shirley. [she leaves]

Miss Kate: How do you do? I just don't know what to do about Dusty Miller. He's so comforting around the house, and such a good mouser, too. Oh, please sit down.

Anne: Thank you. Did Rebecca tell you that I was looking for a place to live?

Miss Kate: Well, she was about to. She said something about none of the Pringles would take you.

Anne: Yes, it's all rather mystifying, but I refuse to be unhappy until you tell me I can't live at Windy Poplars.

Miss Kate: You're very sweet, my dear, and it would be nice having a young person around. But I can't be sure until I consult with ... [looks up as Rebecca crosses the room] Rebecca, Miss Shirley wishes to board here, but I don't guess we can take her.

Rebecca: Why not?

Miss Kate: It would be much too much trouble for you.

Rebecca: I'm well used to trouble.

Miss Kate: But don't you think --

Rebecca: No, I don't. If advice, I give it be short. I say take her. But of course it's your house. I've got nothing to say about it.

Miss Kate: You see, Rebecca always has things her own way.

Matey: Whee! Welcome, shipmate, welcome! Ha ha ha! Whee!

''SCENE: The back garden of Windy Poplars. (11:24)''

[Anne walks to the fence to see Matey reading to a little girl perched on steps on the other side, visible through a doorframe-like gap and listening intently.] Matey: So, with our orders, we set sail, and after forty days and forty nights, we dropped anchor -- [turns to Anne] Hello, shipmate. You all bunked down? Anne: Yes. May I join you? I won't tell. [Matey nods, and Anne sits down next to them.]

Matey: This is Betty Grayson. She bunks next door.

Betty: Hello.

Matey: We're not supposed to play together, but we do anyhow. I'm reading her all about my voyages with Captain Isaac Pringle. We've just dropped anchor off Singapore.

Anne: How exciting! [turns to Betty] Matey said your name was Grayson. Isn't that Ernestine Pringle's house?

Betty: She's only my aunt. My daddy and mummy were named Grayson.

Matey: Sailed away one day and never came back.

Betty: That was when I was real little.

Matey: Well, now we'll get on with the voyage. It was the year 1884, Betty --

Betty: Matey! I told you my name wasn't Betty today.

Matey: Oh, sink me, I forgot.

Betty: Beth. Aunt Ernestine scolded me this morning, and Beth is sadder. You see, it all depends on how I feel.

Anne: Why, how wonderful to have a name that can be so many names and -- and still all your own! There's Elsie and Bess and Betty ... and Elizabeth ...

Matey: And Lizzie.

Betty: Oh, no, Matey, that sounds like freckles and a pug nose. I could never feel like Lizzie. [turns to Anne] Aunt Ernestine thinks changing my name is childish.

Ernestine: Betty! [she appears at the gap] Matey, I've asked you many times to stop putting nonsense into this child's head.

Anne: [standing up] Oh, but -- but he wasn't. We were just talking.

Ernestine: I think it would be well, Miss Shirley, if you confined your attentions to the children in your school. Come along, Betty. [she leads Betty firmly away]

Anne: What a perfectly dreadful woman!

Matey: Of course. She's a Pringle, ain't she?

''SCENE: Anne is in her room at Windy Poplars. (13:24)''

''[There is a knock at the door. Anne opens it to reveal Miss Kate.]''

Anne: Come in.

Miss Kate: Is everything all right?

Anne: Oh, it's perfect. Whoever arranged this room must have known I'd live in it someday. If only Rebecca will get to like me.

Miss Kate: Don't worry your head about that. Rebecca's a saint if ever there was one.

Anne: [referring to a ship in a bottle on the mantlepiece] Did Matey make this one too?

Miss Kate: Yes, indeed. Matey was one of the finest sailors that ever went to sea. Captain Isaac Pringle wouldn't command his ship without him.

Anne: So that's how he got his nickname!

Miss Kate: Captain Isaac was real nice. He gave this house to Matey when they both retired. Be sure and part the drapes -- more light, you know. And the view's just as lovely as can be. On a nice day like this, you can see for miles around.

Anne: Oh, yes! Now I know where I'll do most of my sitting. [looking out the window] What a grim-looking house -- the one way out across the bay.

Miss Kate: That's Maplehurst -- Hester Pringle's place.

Anne: Oh.

Miss Kate: But the fog hides it most of the time. Old Hester wanted some of the kinfolk to come and live there, but they managed to crawl out of it. Finally she had to adopt a girl for company. Poor Katherine! I guess she couldn't help getting grim like the house. You'll be meeting her soon. She teaches at school.

Anne: I feel sorry for her without even knowing her. I feel sorry for anyone who gets tangled up with the Pringles and all their politics.

Miss Kate: [nods] Yes, it is a bitter, gloomy house.

''SCENE: The interior of Maplehurst. (15:07)''

[stopped at 15:07]

[screenshots - stopped at 9:27]

Part 1
SCENE: The woods surrounding the Hammond house.

Anne: [reciting lines 10-18, 34-36, 37-45 from Lord Alfred Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott]

"Willows whiten, aspens quiver,

Little breezes dusk and shiver

Thro' the wave that runs forever

By the island in the river

Flowing down to Camelot.

Four grey walls, and four grey towers,

Overlook a space of flowers,

And the silent isle imbowers

The Lady of Shalott.

Piling sheaves in uplands airy, Listening, whispers "'Tis the fairy Lady of Shalott.

There she weaves by night and day A magic web with colours gay. She has heard a whisper say A curse is on her if she stay To look down [on] Camelot. She knows not what the curse may be, And so she weaveth steadily, And little other care hath she, The Lady of Shalott."

Mrs Hammond: Anne! Anne!

Anne: Coming, Mrs. Hammond!

Mrs Hammond: Anne! Anne Shirley, get in here this instant! [to child] It's all right, honey. [to Anne] Go on, git, git! Watch it, you sloppy girl, that comes right out of my babies' mouths.

Anne: I'm sorry, Mrs. Hammond, but I was rushing so and it's quite heavy. That'll be my share so there won't be any less for the children.

Mrs Hammond: Oh, here, just take them and clean them up. Well, if you'd pay more attention to your chores instead of poring over them fool books of yours.

Anne: Please! I won't do it again. It was just so thrilling I couldn't put it down.

Mrs Hammond: Oh, you darn well won't do it again. And if I catch you reading any more of them books of yours while you're supposed to be looking after my young'uns, they'll feed the fire too, missy. Well, don't just stand there looking daft! Finish changing Meg and Peter! Mr. Hammond and the men been waiting well nigh an hour for their lunch while you've been dawdling.

Anne: I enjoy babies in moderation, Mrs. Hammond, but twins three times in succession is too much.

Mrs Hammond: What?

Anne: I simply couldn't live here if I hadn't any imagination.

Mrs Hammond: I'll take none of your cheek, Anne Shirley. Believe me, you'll be out on your backside if I get another word out of you. Oh, go on. Git going to the mill before Mr Hammond takes a whipping for you. Git! [to children] Eat!

SCENE: The Hammond mill.

Mr Hammond: Not those gol-darn planks!

Tom: What's the matter?

Mr Hammond: Not that junk, idiot!

Tom: Cut it out! [to others] Help! Get out here!

Anne: What happened, Tom?

Tom: He's been in a temper over lunch. Screaming and swearing -- you know how he gets. He wouldn't stop.

Anne: Someone take the wagon and go for the doctor.

Tom: He won't be needing no doctor.

SCENE: The Hammond house.

ANNE: Katie, I know you understand. If I hadn't lost myself in the beauty of the day, the only beauty which has now deceived me, poor Mr. Hammond might still be with us.

WOMAN: There, there, Nora. He led a good life. You have to think about yourself and your young'uns now. Sell the mill and come and live with me. And what about the girl? She's a home child, isn't she?

MRS. HAMMOND: Yes.

WOMAN: She'll have to go back to the orphanage.

ANNE: Mrs. Hammond, you must know how much I want to be of help to you in your time of trial. I consider it a burden I must bear.

MRS. HAMMOND: I was daft when I took you in. It's all your doing. None but yours.

ANNE: I blame myself entirely, Mrs. Hammond. To have to wait and extra hour for lunch is a terrible burden on any man. I shall never overcome my grief. But going back to an orphanage would be more than I can bear. I beg of you, Mrs. Hammond, please let me stay with you.

WOMAN: Orphan children are all the same -- trash.

MRS. HAMMOND: Trash. That's right, Anne Shirley. Poor, miserable trash that don't deserve no better.

SCENE: The Fairview Orphanage.NURSE: Mrs. Hammond, Ma'am.

MRS. CADBURY: Mrs. Hammond. I sent a reply to your letter just this morning. I'm afraid we cannot take the girl. We're overcrowded as it is.

MRS. HAMMOND: But I've already had to divide my own sweet babies among my relatives, Ma'am. She ain't my responsibility no more. You have to take her.

MRS. CADBURY: Come here, child. Tell me what you know about yourself.

ANNE: Well, it really isn't worth telling, Mrs. Cadbury. But if you let me tell you what I imagine about myself, you'd find it a lot more interesting

. MRS. HAMMOND: Uh, she was, uh, twelve last March, Ma'am. Uh, born in Halifax. Both parents died of the fever when she was just three months. I took her in from a neighbor last year to help out with the youngens, but she's been in and out of orphanages ever since she was a wee thing, and she's not too proud for here.

MRS. CADBURY: And what were your parents' names?

ANNE: Walter and Bertha Shirley. Aren't they lovely names? I'm proud they had such nice names. It would be a disgrace to have a father called, well, Hezekiah.

MRS. CADBURY: Doesn't matter what a person's name is, as long as they behave themselves.

ANNE: Well, I don't know. I read in a book once that a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but I was never able to believe it. A rose just couldn't smell as sweet if it was a thistle or a skunk-cabbage.

MRS. HAMMOND: I don't know where she picks up them fool ideas, but she's a bright little thing, ain't she? And she won't be no trouble to you, I can promise you that. Well, this is a real Christian place you folks is running here and I sure am grateful to you for helping me out of this predicament.

MRS. CADBURY: Now, Mrs. Hammond, wait a minute. Mrs. Hammond! We can't take her for at least another month! There are papers to be signed!

MRS. HAMMOND: Lady, I got a train to catch.

SCENE: Bedroom in the orphanage.ANNE: Katie, I'm glad we have each other. It's so difficult finding a kindred spirit these days.

MRS. CADBURY: Anne Shirley, get undressed at once. Have you no respect for rules and regulations.

ANNE: I'm sorry, Mrs. Cadbury, but I wasn't paying attention.

MRS. CADBURY: You haven't been paying attention for the past six months.

ANNE: Oh, I know I'll improve. It's just that my life is perfect graveyard of buried hopes, now. That's a sentence I read once and I say it over to comfort myself in these times that try the soul.

MRS. CADBURY: I've had a request for two of our girls to live with families in Prince Edward Island. And I've decided that you will be one of them.

ANNE: Oh, thank you, Mrs. Cadbury. Thank you with all my heart.

MRS. CADBURY: I've no wish to reward rebelliousness, but for good of discipline it seems that I must. Perhaps this new family of yours can shatter this dream world you that you live in. Now, get into your nightgown and go to bed.

SCENE: The Bright River train station.STATION MASTER: Are you waiting for someone, Miss?

ANNE: I am, thank you.

STATION MASTER: Would you prefer to sit in the ladies' waiting room?

ANNE: No, I prefer to sit here. There's so much more scope for the imagination. Thank you just the same.

STATION MASTER: As you like, Miss.

SCENE: The Lynde house.RACHEL: Thomas! Isn't that Matthew Cuthbert driving that buggy?

THOMAS LYNDE: Appears to be.

RACHEL: Well, he never goes to town this time of year, and he never wears a suit except in church.

THOMAS LYNDE: Maybe he's going courting.

RACHEL: Don't be so utterly ridiculous, Thomas. He's not going fast enough for a doctor. Oh, my afternoon is spoiled! I won't have a moments peace until I know what that man is up to. Wearing his suit. Marilla is simply going to have to explain all this.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.RACHEL: You, who. Marilla.

MARILLA: Ah, Rachel, good morning. And how are all the Lyndes?

RACHEL: Oh, we're alright as rain, Marilla, but I was kind of worried about you when I saw your brother drive by just now.

MARILLA: Oh, I'm fine. Just fine. Appreciate the concern.

RACHEL: But he was in his suit and smoking his pipe.

MARILLA: Well, I don't mind so long as he smokes his pipe in the great outdoors and not in my kitchen.

RACHEL: He was in his suit.

MARILLA: Yes, Rachel.

RACHEL: Well, Matthew never goes to town this time of year.

MARILLA: Matthew wasn't going to town.

RACHEL: Oh, don't keep me in such suspense.

MARILLA: He was going to Bright River. We're getting a little boy from an orphanage in Nova Scotia, and he's coming in on the afternoon train.

RACHEL: A boy! You can't be serious. Well, you don't know anything about raising children. Whatever put such an idea into your head?

MARILLA: Well, Matthew's getting along in years. He's not as spry as he once was and his heart bothers him greatly. Mrs. Spencer was up here before Christmas and said she was getting a little girl from the Hopeton Asylum in the spring. Matthew and I gave it good consideration. So, we sent word to her by her niece, Roberta, tell her to bring us a boy home while she was at it.

RACHEL: I shall be surprised at nothing after this. Nothing.

MARILLA: We told her to fix us up with a little boy, eleven or twelve; old enough to do the chores, and young enough to be brought up properly.

RACHEL: You know I pride myself on speaking my mind. And let me tell you, I think you are doing a mighty risky thing. I wish you'd consulted me first. Well, it was just last week, I read in the paper where a couple took a boy from an orphan asylum and he set fire to their house at night, on purpose. Burnt them to a crisp in their beds.

MARILLA: Well, I won't say that I haven't had my qualms, Rachel. But Matthew was so terrible determined and it's so seldom that he sets his mind on anything that I felt I had to give in.

RACHEL: And there was another case, six months ago over in New Brunswick, where an asylum child put strychnine in the well and the entire family died, in agony. Only, it was a girl in that instance.

MARILLA: Well, we are not getting a girl.

SCENE: The Bright River train station.MATTHEW: Woap.

STATION MASTER: Oh, how do, Matthew?

MATTHEW: Hello, Angus. Is the afternoon train due soon?

STATION MASTER: Well, been and gone a half an hour ago. There was a passenger dropped off for you. She's waiting for you on the platform.

MATTHEW: She?

STATION MASTER: Not to worry, Matthew. I don't think she bites.

MATTHEW: Well, it's a boy I've come for.

STATION MASTER: Oh, she won't have any trouble explaining. She has a tongue of her own.

ANNE: I suppose you're Mr. Matthew Cuthbert. My name is Anne Shirley. Anne is spelled with an "e." I was beginning to be afraid you weren't coming for me today, so I made up my mind to climb up that big, wild cherry tree and wait for you till morning. It would be lovely to sleep in a cherry tree all silvery in the moonshine, don't you think?

MATTHEW: Oh, yes it would. I mean, no. I mean, there's been a big mistake.

ANNE: Oh, no, there's no mistake; not if you're Mr. Matthew Cuthbert. You are Mr. Matthew Cuthbert, aren't you? Mrs. Spencer told me to wait right here for you, and so I've done, most pleasantly I must say. Oh, this is beautiful country you have here, Mr. Cuthbert.

MATTHEW: I'm sorry I was late.

ANNE: No, no, that's fine, thank you. It's very light and thin, like me. I better hold on to my bag. If it isn't carried in a certain way, the handle falls off. I mastered the trick of it on my journey. It's a very old carpet bag. Not at all the sort of luggage I imagine the Lady of Shallott would travel with, but of course hers would be suited to a horse-drawn pavilion and not a train. Oh, I'm very glad you've come, even if it would have been nice to sleep in a wild cherry tree. We've got a long piece to drive yet, haven't we. Oh, I'm glad, because I love driving. It seems so wonderful that I'm gonna live with you and belong to you. I've never really belonged to anyone before, and the asylum was the worst place I've lived in yet. Mrs. Spencer said it was wicked of me to talk like that, but I don't mean to be wicked. It's just so easy to be wicked without knowing it, isn't it? Am I talking too much? Oh, people are always telling me I do, and I can stop if I make up my mind to do it.

MATTHEW: You can talk all you like. I don't mind.

ANNE: Oh, I know you and I are going to get along just fine, Mr. Cuthbert. I love this place already. I always heard that Prince Edward Island was the most beautiful place in Canada, and I used to imagine I was living here. This is the first dream that has ever come true for me. It's always been one of my dreams to live by the sea. These red roads are so peculiar. When we got into the train at Charlottetown and the red roads began to flash past, I asked Mrs. Spencer what made them red, and she said she didn't know and pity's sake not to ask her anymore questions. Dreams don't often come true, do they Mr. Cuthbert? Just now, I feel pretty nearly perfectly happy. I can't feel exactly perfectly happy because, what color would you call this?

MATTHEW: Red?

ANNE: Red. That's why I can't ever be perfectly happy. I know I'm skinny and a little freckled and my eyes are green. I can imagine I have a beautiful rose-leaf complexion and lovely, starry violet eyes, but I cannot imagine my red hair away. It'll be my life-long sorrow. I read of a girl in a novel once who was divinely beautiful. Have you ever imagined what it must be like to be divinely beautiful? Oh, I have often. Which would you rather be? Divinely beautiful, or dazzlingly clever, or angelically good?

MATTHEW: Well, I don't know.

ANNE: Neither do I. I know I'll never be angelically good; Mrs. Spencer says I talk so much that... Mr. Cuthbert. Mr. Cuthbert, what is this place called?

MATTHEW: The Avenue. Pretty, ain't it?

ANNE: Pretty doesn't seem the right word to use. Nor beautiful either; it don't go far enough. It is wonderful. Wonderful. They shouldn't call this lovely place, "The Avenue"! There's no meaning in a name like that. They should call it, "White Way of Delight." It's far more glorious than I could ever have imagined.

MATTHEW: That's Barry's pond.

ANNE: Oh, no. This is the Lake of Shining Waters. That's its rightful name. Do things like this ever give you a thrill, Mr. Cuthbert?

MATTHEW: Well, picking up them ugly white grubs in the cucumber bed.

ANNE: Yes, I can see how that could be very thrilling.

MATTHEW: Woap. Green Gables, yonder.

ANNE: I've pinched myself so many times today to make sure that this was real. But it is real and we're nearly home.

MATTHEW: Gid'yup!

SCENE: The Cuthbert house.ANNE: I'm overwhelmed.

MARILLA: Matthew Cuthbert, who is that?

MATTHEW: It's a girl.

MARILLA: I can see that. Where's the boy?

MATTHEW: There weren't any. Just her. I figured we just couldn't leave her no matter what the mistake was.

MARILLA: You figured? Oh, this is a fine kettle of fish. This is what comes of sending word, instead of going ourselves, Matthew.

ANNE: You don't want me? You don't want me because I'm not a boy? Nobody ever did want me. I might have known this was all too beautiful to be true.

MARILLA: Come, come, now. Don't cry. It is not your fault.

ANNE: This is just the most tragical thing that has ever happened to me.

MARILLA: Well, what's your name?

ANNE:  Would you please call me Cordelia?

MARILLA: Call you Cordelia?

ANNE: Don't you think it's a pretty name?

MARILLA: Is that your name?

ANNE: Well, no, it's not exactly my name, though I would love to be called Cordelia.

MARILLA: I don't understand what you mean.

ANNE: Cordelia is a perfectly elegant name.

MARILLA: What is your name child, and no more nonsense?

ANNE: Anne Shirley. Plain, old, unromantic Anne Shirley.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley is a fine and sensible name, and hardly one to be ashamed of.

ANNE: Oh, I'm not ashamed, but if you are going to call me Anne, would you please be sure to spell it with an "e".

MARILLA: What difference does it make how it is spelled?

ANNE: It makes a lot of difference. Print out "A-n-n" and it looks absolutely dreadful, but Anne with an "e" is quite distinguished. So if you'll only call me Anne with an "e", I'll try and reconcile myself to not being called Cordelia.

MARILLA: Very well then, Anne, with an "e", how is it that you happened to be brought and not a boy?

ANNE: If I were very beautiful and had nut-brown hair, would you keep me?

MARILLA: No. We have absolutely no use for a girl. Well, don't stand there gaping. Come along; bring your bag. Now that you're here, I suppose we'll have to put you somewhere tonight. Take off your hat. You must be hungry.

ANNE: I can't eat. I can never eat when  I'm in the depths of despair.

MARILLA: The depths of despair?

ANNE: Can you eat when you're that way?

MARILLA: I've never been that way.

ANNE: Can't you even imagine you're in the depths of despair?

MARILLA: No, I can not. To despair is to turn your back on God. This is your room for the night. Wash up and then come down for supper.

ANNE: Yes, Miss Cuthbert.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.MARILLA: I'm taking her straight over to that Spencer woman in the morning. This girl has to go straight back to the asylum.

MATTHEW: I suppose.

MARILLA: You suppose, don't you know it?

MATTHEW: She's a nice little thing, Marilla. Seems a pity to send her back; she's so set on staying.

MARILLA:  Matthew Cuthbert, I believe this child has bewitched you. I can see plain is plain you want to keep her.

MATTHEW: We could hire a boy, and she can be company for you.

MARILLA: I'm not suffering for company, particularly a girl who prattles on without stopping for breath. She's no good for us. She has to go straight back where she came from.

MATTHEW: Well, we might be of some good to her.

SCENE: Anne's room.MARILLA: Good night, Anne with an "e".

ANNE: You don't have to say goodnight. It's the worst night I've ever known.

MARILLA: Good night, just the same, child.

ANNE: Goodnight. Miss Cuthbert.

Part 2
SCENE: Outside the house.MATTHEW: Little Jerry Buote from the Creek was around. I told him I guess I'd hire him on for the summer.

MARILLA: Hurry up, child!

ANNE: Just fixing Green Gables in my memory. In years to come I'm going to look back on Green Gables as a beautiful dream that will always haunt me. Don't you think it's--

MARILLA: You can think about it as you drive along.

ANNE: I shall never forget your kindness, Mr. Cuthbert.

SCENE: Mrs. Spencer's House.MRS. SPENCER: Marilla. Marilla, dear. You're the last person I ever expected to see today. I'd imagine you would be getting Anne settled. How are you Anne?

ANNE: As well as a victim of tragic circumstances can be, Mrs. Spencer.

MARILLA: There seems to be some queer mistake, Sarah. We told Roberta for you to get us a boy.

MRS. SPENCER: Oh, Marilla, you don't say. Well, Roberta distinctly said that you wanted a girl.

MARILLA: I knew I should have gone myself.

MRS. SPENCER: I am dreadfully sorry, Marilla.

MARILLA: I suppose the asylum will take the child back.

MRS. SPENCER: Well, as a matter of fact, Mrs. Blewett was up here yesterday asking me if I could get her a little girl. She has such a large family, you know. Ten children and another one on the way, she's simply beside herself for help.

ANNE: Excuse me, Mrs. Spencer, would there happen to be any twins among them?

MRS. SPENCER: Oh, she has two sets of twins. How did you know, child?

ANNE: Twins seem to be my lot in life.

MRS. BLEWETT: Mrs. Spencer!

MRS. SPENCER: And you'll be just the girl.

MRS. BLEWETT: Mrs. Spencer!

MRS. SPENCER: And, oh, look, there's Mrs. Blewett this blessed minute. I call this positively providential. You, who, Mrs. Blewett. Mrs. Blewett, Anne Shirley. She'll be just the thing for you.

MRS. BLEWETT: Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Mrs. Blewett.

MRS. BLEWETT: How old are you, girl.

ANNE: Thirteen.

MRS. BLEWETT: Ain't much to you, but you're wiry, and I don't know but the wiry ones can work the hardest. I'll expect you to earn your keep, no mistaking that. And I want you to act smart and be respectful. Alright, I'll take her. My twins have been awful fractious these days and I'm terrible worn out.

MARILLA: Well, now, I don't know. I feel I oughtn't make a decision until I speak to Matthew. I'll just take her home again and talk to him. Good afternoon, ladies.

SCENE: On road.ANNE: Miss Cuthbert, did you really say it or did I only just image it?

MARILLA: I haven't said anything yet, young lady, except I want to speak to Matthew. Sending you back to the orphanage is one thing. Handing you over to the likes of Matilda Blewett is another.

ANNE: I'd rather go back to the asylum than live with her. Two sets of twins! Oof. Besides, she looks exactly like a gimlet.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley, you should be ashamed of yourself, speaking of a stranger that way. Hold your tongue and don't criticize your elders.

ANNE: I'll try and do anything and be anything you want, if you'll only keep me, Miss Cuthbert.

SCENE: The Cuthbert barn.MARILLA: Well, aren't you going to say anything, Matthew? I wouldn't give a dog I liked to that Blewett woman. It makes no sense to keep her. But if we did keep her, I'd expect you not to interfere with my methods. An old maid like me may not know much about raising a child, but I know a darn sight more than a bachelor like you. Oh, she could talk a hind leg of a mule, that's certain. Oh, wouldn't that be a change around here?

SCENE: Anne's room.MARILLA: Have you said your prayers?

ANNE: I never say any prayers.

MARILLA: What do you mean? Haven't you been taught to say your prayers?

ANNE: Mrs. Hammond told me that God made my hair red on purpose, and I've never cared for him since.

MARILLA: Well, while you are under my roof, you will say your prayers.

ANNE: Why, of course, if you want me to. How does one do it?

MARILLA: Well, you kneel beside the bed.

ANNE: That's the part I never really could understand. Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray, I'd go out into a great, big field, all alone, and I'd look up into the sky. I'd imagine it was the dome of a great cathedral, and then I'd close my eyes and just feel the prayer. What am I say?

MARILLA: Well, I think your old enough now to think of your own prayer. You thank God for his blessings and then humbly ask him for the things you want.

ANNE: I'll do my best. Dear Gracious, Heavenly Father, I thank you for everything. As for the things I especially want, they're so numerous it would take a great deal of time to mention them all, so I'll just mention the two most important. Please, let me stay at Green Gables. Please, make me beautiful when I grow up. I remain yours respectfully, Anne Shirley, with an "e". Did I do alright?

MARILLA: Yes, if you were addressing a business letter to a catalog store. Get into bed.

ANNE: I should have said Amen instead of yours respectfully. Do you think it will make any difference?

MARILLA: I expect God will overlook it, this time. Good night.

ANNE: Good night, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA:  That girl is next door to a perfect heathen.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.ANNE: Good morning, Miss Cuthbert. Where's Matthew?

MARILLA: He had his breakfast hours ago. Been in the fields ever since. Why?

ANNE: I see I'll have to be up before the break of day if I'm to say good morning to Matthew. That is if...

MARILLA: If what?

ANNE: Please, Miss Cuthbert, tell me if you're going to send me back. I made up my mind to be patient, but just can't bear it any longer.

MARILLA: Well, you'll just have to bear it because I simply don't know. I though maybe we'd put it on trial for a while, for all our sakes. Would that suit you?

ANNE: If you think it's necessary, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: I do. You may not be happy with two old grumps like us.

ANNE: I know I would be. I'd be happier than even I can imagine at this present moment.

MARILLA: Come. While you're eating your breakfast, I want you to learn that. You need a little religion in your life as bad as you need fattening up.

ANNE: [reciting the opening lines to the Lord's Prayer] "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name." That is just like a line of music. I'm glad you thought of making me learn this, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Then learn it, then, and hold your tongue.

ANNE: Yes, ma'am.

MARILLA: Oh, good Lord, here comes Rachel Lynde. Anne, take that card into the parlor, and then you come back here on your best behavior. I don't want her knowing you're a heathen.

RACHEL: Good morning, Marilla.

MARILLA: Come in, Rachel.

RACHEL: I'm shocked at this horrendous mistake I've heard about.

MARILLA: I've gotten over the shock, myself.

RACHEL: Couldn't you have sent her back?

MARILLA: Well, we're still considering on it.

RACHEL: Considering on it? What is there to consider? A boy would have been bad enough but--

MARILLA: This is a friend and neighbor of mine, Mrs. Rachel Lynde. Anne Shirley.

ANNE: How do you do, Mrs. Lynde?

RACHEL: Well, her looks are certainly nothing to consider. I mean she's terribly skinny and homely, Marilla. Come here, child. Lawful heart! Her hair is as red as carrots!

ANNE: How dare you say I'm skinny and... carrots! You're a rude, impolite, unfeeling woman, and I hate you!

MARILLA: Anne Shirley!

ANNE: How would you like to have nasty things said about you? How would you like to be told that you're fat, and ugly, and a sour old gossip.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley! Anne Shirley, you come back at once and apologize!

RACHEL: Mark my words, Marilla. That's the kind that puts strychnine in the well.

MARILLA: You shouldn't have twitted her about her looks.

RACHEL: Marilla Cuthbert!

MARILLA: I'm not making excuses for her. Perhaps she was never taught what was right, but you were too hard on her, Rachel.

RACHEL: I see I'll have to be very careful what I say from now on. Oh, I'm not vexed, Marilla. I'm too sorry for you to leave any room for anger in my mind. It's obvious to me that the good sense I admire you for left you when that child walked in your door! Goodbye, Marilla. Come down and see me when you can, Marilla, but don't expect me to visit here again if I'm to be treated in such a fashion.

MARILLA: Goodbye, Rachel.

SCENE: Outside the Cuthbert house.MARILLA: When I said trial, I had no idea you'd take me literally. Of all the people, you would pick on Rachel Lynde.

ANNE: She hadn't any right to say what she did.

MARILLA: Rachel is too outspoken. But she is your elder, a stranger, and my guest, not to mention my friend, all of them very good reasons for you to have bit your tongue. She deserves and apology. You will go to her and you will give it.

ANNE: I can never do that. You can punish me any way you like. You can lock me up in a dark dungeon inhabited by snakes and toads, and feed me on bread and water. I won't complain. But I cannot ask Rachel Lynde to forgive me.

MARILLA: If you expect to remain under my roof, you will apologize to Mrs. Lynde.

ANNE: Then you'll have to send me back.

MATTHEW: Rachel Lynde deserves what she gets.

MARILLA: Matthew Cuthbert, don't form opinions for me. Next you'll be saying she oughtn't be punished at all.

SCENE: Anne's room.MATTHEW: I haven't been upstairs in this house in four years. I guess you're leaving, then.

ANNE: Oh, Matthew,  I'd rather die than apologize to Mrs. Lynde. It's so humiliating.

MATTHEW: Well, Marilla is a terrible determined woman. You don't have to be exactly sorry, you know; you can just be sort of sorry.

ANNE: I'm not sorry at all.

MATTHEW: I hear Mrs. Blewett's an awful work-horse. It'll terrible lonesome around here without you. Couldn't you just kind of smooth it over?

ANNE: You don't want me to go, do you? I'd do anything for you, Matthew, if you really wanted me to.

MATTHEW: Of course I do.

ANNE: I can't let Mrs. Lynde be the cause of our parting. I don't have to be really sorry. I just have to remove the disgrace I brought upon Marilla's good name.

MATTHEW: Don't tell Marilla that I said anything. She'll say I'm interfering.

ANNE:  Wild horses couldn't drag it from me.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.ANNE: Miss Cuthbert?

MARILLA: What is it?

ANNE: I'm sorry I lost my temper and said those rude things, and I'm willing to go and tell Mrs. Lynde so.

MARILLA: I think that's a wise decision. I'll take you over first thing. Now get up to bed, and don't forget to say your prayers.

ANNE: Yes, ma'am.

MARILLA: I knew that if we left her alone, she'd come to her senses.

SCENE: Anne's room.MARILLA: Hurry up, Anne. What are you muttering about?

ANNE: I'm just imagining out what I must say to Mrs. Lynde. Miss Cuthbert, you look so elegant!

MARILLA: You don't make an important visit in kitchen clothes.

ANNE: I think amethysts are lovely. That's what I used to imagine diamonds were like, and then I saw a real diamond in a ladies--

MARILLA: Oh, for goodness sake, child! Bite your tongue, and come along.

SCENE: The Lynde house.MARILLA: Good morning Rachel. Anne has something to say to you.

ANNE: Mrs. Lynde, I'm extremely sorry I behaved so terribly. I've disgraced my good friends who've let me stay at Green Gables on trial, even though I'm not a boy. I am wicked and ungrateful, and I deserve to be cast out forever. What you said was true; I am skinny and ugly, and my hair is red. What I said about you was true too, only I shouldn't have said it. Please, Mrs. Lynde, forgive me. You wouldn't be so cruel as to inflict a life-long sorrow on a poor orphan. Please. Please, forgive me.

RACHEL: There, there, child, of course I forgive you. I guess I was a bit hard. But you mustn't mind me; I'm known throughout these parts as a woman who speaks her mind. And don't worry about your hair. I knew a girl once who had hair every bit as red as yours, but when she grew up, it darkened into a real handsome auburn.

ANNE: You have given me hope, Mrs. Lynde. I shall always think of you as a benefactress.

MARILLA: Marilla, what this child needs is discipline and a proper education. The Sunday School picnic is scheduled this week for Barry's field. I want you to take Anne so she can meet some civilized children her own age. Her tongue appears to be hinged in the middle, but she may turn out alright.

MARILLA: I'm sure you're right, Rachel.

RACHEL: And trial or no trial, you ought to put the girl into school.

SCENE: On the road home.MARILLA: Putting you in school doesn't mean a decision. It's just as easy to take you out as put you in.

ANNE: I understand, Miss Cuthbert, but it does give a person reason to hope.

MARILLA: I've seen some shocking behavior from you, Anne Shirley, and it does give a person reason to doubt. Understand?

ANNE: My temper will never get the better of me again, even though I am red-haired.

MARILLA: I hope not. Good behavior in the first place is more important than theatrical apologies afterwards.

ANNE: Since, I had to do it, I thought I might as well do it thoroughly.

MARILLA: Save your thoroughness for prayer. And the praying that counts, is the praying that's sincere; God does not want you for a fair-weathered friend.

ANNE: The only real friend I ever had was Katie Morris, and she was only my window friend.

MARILLA: Window friend?

ANNE: I discovered her in the window of Mrs. Thomas' bookcase, which was the only window which hadn't been smashed by her intoxicated husband. I lived with them before the Hammonds. I used to wish I knew the spell to step through the glass into Katie's world, which was so beautiful.

MARILLA: I don't think you should have window friends anymore.

ANNE: My greatest wish, apart from staying at Green Gables, would be to have a bosom friend.

MARILLA: A what kind of friend?

ANNE:  A bosom friend; a really kindred spirit. I've dreamt of meeting her all my life.

MARILLA: Diana Barry lives over there on Orchard Slope. She's about your age. Her parents are sponsoring the picnic next Sunday. You can meet her.

ANNE: Diana of the Lake of Shining Waters.

MARILLA: For mercy's sake child. You set your heart too much on silly names.

ANNE: What should I call you? May I call you Aunt Marilla?

MARILLA: No. You can call me just plain Marilla. I don't believe in calling people names that are not their own.

ANNE: You could imagine you were my aunt.

MARILLA: No, I could not.

ANNE: Don't you ever imagine things different from they are?

MARILLA: No.

ANNE:  Oh, Marilla, how much you miss.

Part 3
SCENE: The Cuthbert living room.MARILLA: How do you like them?

ANNE: I can imagine I like them.

MARILLA: What's the matter with them?

ANNE: Well, they're not very pretty.

MARILLA: I'm not going to pamper your vanity. These are good and sensible dresses. This one is for Sunday, and the others you can wear to school.

ANNE: I am greatful, but I'd be even more grateful if you'd made this one with puffed sleeves.

MARILLA: I cannot waste material on ridiculous looking frills and furbelows. Plain and sensible is best.

ANNE: I've always dreamed of going to a picnic in puffed sleeves. I'd rather look ridiculous with everyone else than plain and sensible all by myself.

MARILLA: Trust you for that. Have you seen my amethyst brooch?

ANNE: Yes.

MARILLA: Did you touch it?

ANNE: I pinned it on yesterday, just to see what it looked like.

MARILLA: You had no business to meddle with my brooch. Where did you put it?

ANNE: Back on the pin cushion. Honestly, Marilla, I didn't mean to meddle, and I promise I'll never do it again. That's the one good thing about me; I never do the same wrong thing twice.

MARILLA: The brooch is gone and you were the last one to handle it. Did you take it out and lose it?

ANNE: I didn't.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley, you are telling me a falsehood. Go to your room. And you will stay in your room until you confess, even if it takes a month of Sundays.

ANNE: Let me out for the picnic. I'll stay in my room as long as you like, I just have to go to the picnic.

MARILLA: You are not going to the picnic or anywhere else until you tell me the truth.

ANNE: If I don't go to the picnic, how will I ever make a bosom friend, or any friend at all?

MARILLA: That brooch meant a great deal to me; more than any picnic. Now go to your room.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.MARILLA: I've looked in every crack and cranny. You might as well face it, Matthew. She's taken that brooch and lied about it. I feel worse about that than about the brooch.

MATTHEW: Are you sure it didn't fall behind the bureau?

MARILLA: I moved the bureau. I even checked the cracks in the floor. I know how you feel, Matthew, and in my heart I was prepared to let you have your way, but now I realize that I was right not to be too hasty. We can't keep her, liar and a theif, Matthew, and you know it.

SCENE: Anne's room.ANNE: Marilla, I'm ready to confess.

MARILLA: What have you to say for yourself?

ANNE: I took the brooch because I was too overcome with irresistable temptation. I was imagining I was Lady Cordelia Fitzgerald, and I just had to wear the brooch over the footbridge of the Lake of Shining Waters, with the wind blowing my auburn hair over to Camelot. I thought I could put it back before you came home, but as I leaned over to look at my reflection in the lake, it slipped from my fingers and sank beneath the rippling waves. The best I can do at confessing. Now may I go to the picnic?

MARILLA: No.

ANNE: I realize the importance of the brooch, Marilla. Was it a keepsake from a tragic romance? You did say I could go if I confessed.

MARILLA: What you can do is pack your bags and start imagining your life with Mrs. Blewett.

SCENE: The Cuthbert foyer.MARILLA: Rachel Lynde was right. I can't imagine how I let that child worm her way into my affections. I'm furious at myself for having let this happen.

MATTHEW: Marilla!

SCENE: Anne's room.MARILLA: What ever made you say that you took it and lost it?

ANNE: You said you'd keep me in my room until I confessed. I just thought up a good confession and made it as interesting as I could.

MARILLA: But it was still a lie.

ANNE: You wouldn't believe the truth.

MARILLA: You do beat all, child. But, I'll forgive you if you'll forgive me. Now, you get dressed for service.

SCENE: The Sunday School Picnic.MR. BARRY: Hello, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Good afternoon, Mr. Barry. I'd like you to meet Anne Shirley.

MR. BARRY: Hello.

ANNE: How do you do, Mr. Barry?

MR. BARRY: You should meet my daughter, Diana. She's over there in the garden. Matthew...

MARILLA: For pity's sake, calm down, Anne. And don't make any of your fabulous speeches. Goodness knows what Rachel has told them already.

ANNE: Oh, you'd be excited too, if you were going to eat icecream for the first time in your life.

RACHEL: Ah, Marilla. Anne.

MARILLA: Rachel. Rev. Allan. Mrs. Allan.

RACHEL: This is the orphan girl that the Cuthberts are looking after. Anne Shirley, this is the Reverend and Mrs. Allan.

MRS. ALLAN: How are you, Anne?

ANNE: Well in body, although considerably ruffled in spirit, thank you. [to Marilla] There wasn't anything shocking in that, was there, Marilla?

MRS. ALLAN: We must try our best to relieve your jitters. Won't you and Anne join us for tea, Miss Cuthbert?

MARILLA: I've been counting on you coming to Green Gables, now that you've moved into the manse.

REV. ALLAN: I've given Elizabeth tremendous reports about your home baking, and your red current wine, Miss Cuthbert. She is anxious to learn your secrets.

MRS. BARRY: Marilla, I'm so pleased you could come. This must be Anne we've heard so much about. This is my Diana. Perhaps Anne would like some icecream and lemonade, Diana.

MRS. ALLAN: I think she's enchanting.

MRS. BARRY: Will you keep her, then, Marilla?

MARILLA: Well, if she can avoid catastophe two days in a row, I might have a chance to make up my mind.

SCENE: The three-legged race.ANNE: Marilla has given me strict instructions not to talk a head off. I do have a habit of chattering on so. Why, if I could imagine myself as a bird, a magpie would probably be the closest thing I could resemble. Oh, Diana, I've always dreamed of being in a three-legged race at a picnic. Would you do me the honor of being my patner?

DIANA: But there aren't any other girls in it.

ANNE:You're a sturdy looking girl, and I'm fast. I know we'd stand a good chance.

DIANA: I guess so.

ANNE:Come on!

GILBERT: Hey, Diana, who's your friend?

DIANA: Anne Shirely.

MR. BARRY: On your marks. Get set. [gun shot] I never expected a daughter of mine to outrun the boys. I'm very proud of you, Diana.

SCENE: Barry's pond.

ANNE:I think we're heroic winners, Diana. Don't you?

DIANA: I think it's a shame that Gilbert had to lose on a count of Moody. Don't you think Gilbert's handsome?

ANNE: He is handsome. But I think your Gilbert is awfully bold to wink at a strange girl.

DIANA: I wish he'd wink at me. He's sixteen, but he's in our class. His father's been ill and he's been away for two years.

ANNE:Good. I mean, I don't want to be the only one who's behind in school.

DIANA: That's Mr. Phillips, our school teacher. He's dead-gone on Prissy Andrews, and Prissy thinks she's queen bee just because she's studying her entrance to Queens. He moons over her something terrible. That's Josie Pye, and she moons over Gilbert. Oh, Josie just want attention. I hope she nearly drowns.

ANNE:I wish it had me. It would be such a romantic experience nearly to drown.

DIANA: I heard before that you're kind of a strange girl, Anne Shirley, but I have a feeling we're going to get along really well.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MR. PHILLIPS: What is your name?

ANNE:Anne Shirley. Anne's spelled with an "e".

MR. PHILLIPS: We pride ourselves on our scholastic record. And we hope you will strive to meet our standards.

ANNE:Oh, I'm sure I will, Mr. Phillips. I've taught children younger than myself to read before, and both my parents were teachers. I'm positive we'll have a lot in common.

MR. PHILLIPS: You will share a seat with Diana Barry.

ANNE:Oh, thank you, Mr. Phillips. Diana Barry is my bosom friend.

MR. PHILLIPS: Please take your seat and read your lesson. I must work with my Queens student now. Alright class. Take out your notebooks. Memorize the dictation from yesterday.

GILBERT:  Hey, Carrots. [hissing]Carrots!

ANNE:  How dare you!

MR. PHILLIPS: Anne Shirley! What is the meaning of this?

GILBERT: It was my fault, Sir. I was teasing her.

MR. PHILLIPS: Stand at the blackboard for the rest of the day. I will not tolerate this kind of indignant temperment in my class. "Ann Shirley has a very bad temper." And she will learn to control it. You will write this one hundred times before leaving today.

SCENE: Outside the schoolhouse.

GILBERT: Anne, wait! I'm sorry for teasing you about your hair. Don't be mad at me for keeps.

DIANA: Oh, Anne, how could you? Gilbert always makes fun of the girls. He calls me crow-head all the time, but I've never heard him apologize before.

ANNE: There's a world of difference between being called crow-head and being called carrots. I shall never forgive Gilbert Blythe. The iron has entered my soul, Diana. My mind is made up; my red hair is a curse.

SCENE: Anne's room.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley, I've heard all about it. Now you open your door at once!

ANNE: Please go away, Marilla. I'm in the depths of despair.

MARILLA: Oh, fiddlesticks. Now, you open this door at once! Are you sick?

ANNE: Go away. Don't look at me.

MARILLA: Oh, don't play innocent with me. I'm so ashamed I don't know where to begin. What do you mean by breakinging your slate over some boy's head?

ANNE:  He called me Carrots.

MARILLA: I don't care what he called you. You have no reason to lose your temper. Anne Shirley, what have you done to your hair?

ANNE: Marilla, I thought nothing could be as bad as red hair. Green is ten times worse. You don't know how utterly wretched I am.

MARILLA: I little know how you got into this fix, but I demand that you tell me.

ANNE: I dyed it.

MARILLA: Dyed it? For mercy's sake, child.

ANNE: But he positively assured me it'd turn my hair a beautiful raven black.

MARILLA: Who did? Who are you talking about?

ANNE: The peddlar we met on the road today.

MARILLA: I absolutely forbid you to--. What's the use? Well, I hope that this has opened your eyes to see where your vanity has taken you.

ANNE: What shall I do? I'll never be able to live this down. I can't face him again. Gilbert Blythe had no right to call me carrots.

MARILLA: You really smashed your slate over that boy's head?

ANNE: Yes.

MARILLA: Hard?

ANNE: Very hard, I'm afraid.

MARILLA: I know I should be angry. I should be furious. What a way to behave your first day at school! But, it you promise me nothing of the sort will happen again, I won't say another word about it.

ANNE: You're not going to send me back?

MARILLA: I've come to a decision. Trial is over. You will stay at Green Gables.

ANNE: Marilla!

MARILLA: I think you may be a kindred spirit after all.

SCENE: The Cuthbert livingroom.

ANNE: I shall never, ever look at myself again.

MATTHEW: Well, you're our girl now, and the prettiest one this side of Halifax.

MARILLA: Alright, now. Stop this nonsense.

SCENE: By a stream.

ANNE: Some girls in books lose their hair in fevers or sell it for money for some good deed. I'm sure I wouldn't have minded losing my hair like that. There's nothing comforting in having your hair cut off because you dyed it.

DIANA: This is the very last of the Queen Anne's Lace for the summer. Don't worry about your hair. No one even notices it anymore.

ANNE: Everytime I look at myself I do penance by saying how ugly I am. I don't even try to imagine it away.

SCENE: The woods beyond the Cuthbert house.

ANNE: Diana, aren't you supposed to be studying?

DIANA: I know, but I had to talk to you right away. That's why I used the white flags.

ANNE: Well?

DIANA: Just let me catch my breath. Mother thought I was upstairs studying, but I was in the pantry getting some cookies, and I overheard her talking with Mrs. Blair. They were talking about what happened with you and Gilbert Blythe, and mother said you have a disposition just like Marilla's. She said something about Marilla having been betrothed once, many years ago, but because of a quarrel, she never married, and she's had to live with her brother ever since.

ANNE: So that's it!

DIANA: What?

ANNE: Poor Marilla's been thwarted in love. It must have been a supremely tragic romance. Did they say anything else?

DIANA: No, but I'll keep my ears open. I have to go, now. Mother doesn't know I'm gone.

ANNE: Good luck on the exam tomorrow.

DIANA: You, too. I hope you stand first.

ANNE: I am endebted to you for life.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MR. PHILLIPS: Alright, class. Times up. Place your pencils beside your papers. I'll collect your papers once everyone has left. However, before everyone leaves for lunch, I would like to announce the mathematics half-term results. The three best standings are as follows: first, Gilbert Blythe; second, Anne Shirley; third, Prissy Andrews. I think Miss Andrews has shown excellent progress under my tutelage. Class dismissed.

DIANA: He's only smiling to congradulate you, Anne.

ANNE: I think he was trying to rub it in.

SCENE: On a road.

VARIOUS VOICES: It's Crow-head. It's Carrots. Load up, guys. Load up. Carrots. They won't come; they're chicken. They're going to go through the...

DIANA: Let's take the shortcut through the pasture, Anne. We'll be late.

ANNE: Don't be afraid of the bullies, Diana. We'll be completely civilized and take the road. I have no intention of arriving out of breath for our examination.

VARIOUS VOICES: Hit them! Harder!

ANNE: Charlie Sloan, you meansly little boy, you ought to be horse-whipped!

VARIOUS VOICES: You're right! Carrots! Carrots!

MR. SADLER: This will be the last time I catch you little trouble makers in my pasture. These feilds are not a free-for-all! You frighten my cattle to death and they won't be milked.

ANNE: I've never even set a toenail in your pasture before, Mr. Sadler. I was really attempting to avenge my bosom friend, Diana, from being tortured. Your cattle are such mournful-looking creatures, you can't know how utterly wretched I feel to have you think I'd frighten them.

MR. SADLER: You'll feel wretched alright, missy, if I ever catch any of you on my land again! Now, hop to it before I tan your backside! I intend to put a stop to this, for once and for all.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MR. SADLER: I don't know what education on this Island is coming to, Phillips. You are the worst teacher this school has ever had. The order you keep is scandalous! You're worth half of what they pay you. And I know for a fact that you would never have gotten this post if your aunt wasn't on the board of trustees. I suggest, if you value your job at all, you'll discipline your students a little better, and keep them out of trouble and out of my fields.

MR. PHILLIPS: But, Sir.

MR. SADLER: Goodday, to you.

MR. PHILLIPS: Since you seem to be so fond of the boys' company, we shall indulge your taste for it this afternoon. Take a seat over there, next to Gilbert Blythe. Did you hear what I said?

ANNE: Yes, Sir. I didn't suppose you really meant it.

MR. PHILLIPS: I assure you I did. Obey me at once.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MR. PHILLIPS: Alright, let's begin the spelling bee. Miss Andrews, can you give us the spelling of the word chrysanthemum?

PRISSY ANDREWS: Chrysanthemum. C-h-i, no r-i -s -a -n-s-m -u-m.

MR. PHILLIPS: Perhaps we'll turn our attention to your spelling now that you mathematics is well in hand. Gilbert, chrysanthemum.

GILBERT: Chrysanthemum. C-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-a-m-u-m.

MR. PHILLIPS: Hmm. Anne?

ANNE: Chrysanthemum. C-h-r-y-s-a-n-t-h-e-m-u-m.

MR. PHILLIPS: Correct.

SCENE: On a road.

JOSIE PYE: Hey, Anne! How do you spell freckles?

DIANA: Hey, Josie! How do you spell ugly?

GILBERT: Congratualations on the spelling test, Anne. Oh, well at least you're acknowledging me now. That's an improvement.

ANNE: It is impolite to pass a person without at least nodding, and so I nod out of elementary good breeding, nothing more.

GILBERT:  Oh, why don't you get off your high horse?

ANNE: Thank you for your heartfelt congratulations, Mr. Blythe. But allow me to inform you that next time I shall be first in every subject.

DIANA: Anne! You've got more nerve than a fox in a hen house.

ANNE: I don't see any need in being civil to someone who chooses to associate with the likes of Josie Pye.

DIANA: You're just jealous.

ANNE: I am not. You take that back, Diana Barry!

DIANA: She's jealous of you. Gilbert told Charlie Sloan that you're the smartest girl in school, right in front of Josie.

ANNE: He did?

DIANA: He told Charlie that being smart was better than being good-looking.

ANNE: I might have known he meant to insult me.

DIANA: No, he didn't.

ANNE: It isn't better. I'd much rather be pretty than smart. But at least I don't have to cheat like Josie does.

DIANA: She doesn't have to cheat; she just does it because she's a Pye.

Part 4
SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MR. PHILLIPS: First, I'm pleased to announce that Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe have tied for first place honors in the term finals. And now, the sad news: I'm leaving Avonlea. I shall not be with you in the fall to guide your progress to even greater heights of scholastic achievement. Let us not have tears; partings are a natural part of life. To ease the pain of this news, I have glad tidings. We shall adjourn early this afternoon, make our way to the Spurgeon farm, where Moody's parents have consented to host a celebration in honor of my departure.

MOODY SPURGEON: Nobody told me.

SCENE: The celebration at the Spurgeon farm.MR. PHILLIPS: Bye.

STUDENTS: Bye. Bye, Mr. Phillips.

DIANA: Father told mother that Mr. Sadler was going to get rid of Mr. Phillips, no matter what. And appearantly the trustees are forcing him to leave because of Prissy.

ANNE: I can't help feeling sorry for him, even though he did spell my name without an "e".

DIANA: I wouldn't feel too sorry for him. He's got a position as a private tutor over in Charlottetown. ANNE: I suppose some people consider it an accomplishment to walk a little picket fence, Diana. I knew of a girl in Marysville who could walk the ridgepole of a roof.

JOSIE PYE: I don't believe it. You sure couldn't, little miss bookworm.

ANNE: Oh, couldn't I?

GILBERT: It's a little risky, don't you think, Anne?

ANNE: Is it indeed, Mr. Blythe?

JOSIE PYE: I dare you! I dare you to walk the ridgepole of Moody's kitchen roof.

DIANA: Don't do it, Anne! Never mind her; it's not a fair dare.

ANNE:  I shall walk that ridgepole or perish.

VARIOUS VOICES: She's going to fall. Oh!

DIANA: Oh, Anne! Oh, Anne! Oh, are you killed? Just say one word and tell me know if you're killed!

ANNE: No, but I think I've been rendered unconscious. [to Gilbert] Thank you, Mr. Blythe.

GILBERT: Anne, I'll call a carriage and help you home.

ANNE: That won't be necessary. I'm quite capable of getting there on my own.

GILBERT: I'm going your way. At least let me give you a hand.

ANNE: Thank you, Mr. Blythe, but I am going in the opposite direction. Come along, Diana.

DIANA: Anne, you should have let him help you. You're in no condition to walk home.

SCENE: Nearby forest.

DIANA: Of course you would take the long route when you've sprained your ankle.

ANNE: I wouldn't think of giving Gilbert Blythe the satisfaction of helping me! Why don't we cut through here? It's much shorter.

DIANA: But you told me this forest was haunted.

ANNE: I don't think it's haunted in daylight.

DIANA: That doesn't matter; it's always dark in the forest.

ANNE: Don't be afraid, Diana.

DIANA: What kind of ghosts would you say live in here?

ANNE: I'm not sure there are any. I only imagined it was haunted because it seemed so romantic at the time.

DIANA: What is it? Did you see a ghost?

ANNE: My foot caught on something.

DIANA: Charlie Sloan said that his grandmother saw his grandfather driving the cows home last year.

ANNE: So?

DIANA: His grandfather died two years ago.

ANNE: There's supposed to be a white lady who walked along the riverbank by Mr. Hammond's sawmill, wringing her hands and wailing. The men never actually saw her.

DIANA: Oh, Anne, don't.

ANNE: Perhaps she is now accompanied by Mr. Hammond who is looking for his lunch. No, I shouldn't have said that. He may follow me here.

DIANA: Oh, Anne, I'm scared.

ANNE: So am I. Deliciously scared. Mrs. Hammond said she once felt the ghost of a murdered child creep up behind her and lay its icy fingers on her hand.

DIANA: Charlie's grandmother is a very religious woman, and I don't think she would lie. Do you think there may be ghosts living in there?

ANNE: It's alright, Diana.

DIANA: [screams]

ANNE: Stop it, Diana, and help me out!

DIANA: Why did we ever come in here, Anne? Are you alright?

ANNE: I twisted my other ankle.

DIANA: What are we going to do?

ANNE: You mustn't be afraid, Diana. I'll be alright here. Run home, find your father, and ask if he'll come back and get me.

DIANA: You'll get carried off by ghosts. I'd never forgive myself.

ANNE: Be brave, Diana. Go. I shall endure till your return, although I may be forced to faint if my imagination gets the better of me.

DIANA: I could never feel as safe as your are, Anne. Bye-bye.

SCENE: The Cuthbert field.

MARILLA: What happened to her?

MR. BARRY: No fear, Marilla. She's alright.

ANNE: Don't be very frightened, Marilla. I fell of the ridgepole at Moody Spurgeon's, and then I twisted my other ankle falling into an old well.

MARILLA: I should have known she would have stopped for summer this way, barely the last day of school.

ANNE: Marilla, look on the bright side: I might have broken my neck. And what would you have done if someone dared you to walk a ridgepole?

MARILLA: I would have stayed on firm ground and let them dare away.

MR. BARRY: Oh, now, Marilla, don't be too hard on her. I think she's doing a pretty good job being hard on herself, especially considering that she took first place in the term results.

ANNE: Tied for first.

MARILLA: Tied for first place? My Anne? Well, John Barry, it's certain that she didn't injure her tongue. Come on!

SCENE: The Cuthbert living room.

MARILLA: You clutter up the house too much with outside things. Don't we have enough flowers right outside our door?

ANNE: I want the house to look flowery to impress Diana when she arrives for tea. May I use the rosebud spray tea set, Marilla?

MARILLA: No. The everyday set will be do for your company. You may have the fruitcake and the cherry preserves, and there's a bottle of raspberry cordial on the shelf in the kitchen. Now, tell Matthew that Mrs. Allan will drive me back, but I'll be late coming back from the Ladies Aid Society, so you must see that Matthew and Jerry's supper is laid out for them.

DIANA: Good afternoon, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Good afternoon, Diana. Now Anne, I trust that you will be responsible for your guest.

ANNE: I'll be the perfect hostess.

MARILLA: Have a lovely afternoon, ladies.

ANNE: May I take your parasol? Here, let me. [she helps Diana with her hat]

DIANA: So good of you to invite me to tea this afternoon.

ANNE: Please come in and make yourself comfortable.

DIANA: Why thank you.

ANNE: How is your mother?

DIANA: Very well, thank you. I saw Mr. Cuthbert hauling potatoes to the Lilly Sand's boat this afternoon.

ANNE: Our crop is quite good. We were fortunate to have hired Jerry Buote to help us with the harvest.

DIANA: Have you picked any apples, yet?

ANNE: Ever so many! Marilla has been cooking and baking endlessly. We have enought pies and cakes and preserves to last us for years. It isn't good manners to tell your guest what you're serving, so I won't tell you what she said we could have to drink.

DIANA: Oh, raspberry cordial, right? Oh, that's my favorite.

ANNE: You mean you've had it before?

DIANA: Lots of times. Haven't you?

ANNE: I must admit, I've never tasted it. But you can have as much as you like. I have to stir up the fire. There are so many responsibilities on a person's mind when they're housekeeping.

DIANA: It's awfully nice, Anne. Much better than Mrs. Lynde's. She brags about hers all the time.

ANNE:[from the kitchen] I'm not surprised that it's better. Of course, Marilla is a famous cook.

DIANA: It doesn't taste a bit like it.

ANNE:[from the kitchen] She's trying to teach me how to cook. But I assure you, Diana, I am a dismal failure. There's no scope of the imagination in cooking. You simply have to go by the rules. Last time I made a cake, I forgot to put the flour in it. I was thinking about the lovely joy about us, Diana. I imagined you were desperately ill with small pox, and when everyone deserted you, I went over to your bedside and nursed you back to life. Then I took small pox and died. And you planted a rosebush by my grave, and watered it with your tears. You never ever forgot the friend of your youth, who sacrificed her life for yours. It was such a pathetic story, and I was crying so, that I forgot to put the flour in the cake. The cake was a dismal failure. The flour is so essential to baking. It bubbled all over the inside of the stove. It was a mess. Marilla was furious. I don't wonder. I'm such a trial to her.

DIANA: Oh, I feel sick. Oh, I've got to go home.

ANNE: Diana, you haven't eaten yet. A piece of cake and another glass of cordial will be just the thing. Please, have some. [Diana falls over] You can't be sick! Wake up!

DIANA: I've got to go home.

ANNE: No. Lie down. You'll feel better. Now tell me, where does it hurt?

DIANA: I've got to go home. Oh. Oh, I'm awful dizzy.

ANNE: It's probably the small pox epidemic. Don't worry, Diana; I'll never forsake you. I'll nurse you back to health. Please stay until after tea.

SCENE: The Barry house.

DIANA: Oh.

MRS. BARRY: What on earth's the matter, Diana?

RACHEL: She's drunk!

MRS. BARRY: Anne Shirley, what did you give my Diana to drink?

ANNE: Only raspberry cordial, Mrs. Barry.

RACHEL: Cordial, my foot! The girl smells like Jake Griffith's distillery.

MRS. BARRY: Drunk? My daughter is drunk? And Mrs. Lynde, the chairwoman of the temperance society. You are a wicked, wicked girl, Anne Shirley! It was against my better judgement to let Diana associate with an orphan, and I've been proven right. Diana, will never see you again. Leave our property at once!

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.

MARILLA: Drunk? What on earth did you give her?

ANNE: Only raspberry cordial. She had three glasses of it, but I didn't know it would set her drunk.

MARILLA: You certainly have a genious for trouble. This is current wine, can't you tell the difference?

ANNE: I've never tasted either.

MARILLA: Stop crying. It wasn't your fault. I probably put the cordial in the cellar instead of the pantry. I'll go over and explain.

SCENE: The Barry house.

MRS. BARRY: Marilla, I don't believe a word of it. Anne Shirley is a coniving, manipulative child, and she's pulled the wool over your eyes.

RACHEL: I've always warned you about making that current wine, Marilla. You said it wouldn't have the least effect on anyone. Well, I ask you.

MARILLA: It isn't meant to be drunk three tumbler-fulls at a time. And if I had a child that was so greedy, I'd sober her up with a darn good spanking!

MRS. BARRY: Ah! So it's my Diana's fault, is it?

RACHEL: It's the demon liquor's fault. And as I've told you for years, if you didn't insist on making that current wine--

MARILLA: My current wine is famous all over the Island, Rachel Lynde, as you well know, and the Reverend Allan, himself, is not opposed to taking a bit when he comes calling. And as for Christian virtue,  making a little wine for refreshment is far less sinful than meddling in other people's affairs!

RACHEL: Oh!

MARILLA: [outside house] Of all of the unreasonable, pig-headed, self-important women that I have ever met, she is the worst!

ANNE: I don't think Mrs. Barry is a well-bred woman. I don't believe God, Himself, would entirely meet with her approval.

MARILLA: Anne, you mustn't say things like that, especially in front of the minister's wife. But, if you left God out of it, you'd have it just about right.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.

MARILLA: This story will make a fine handle for all those folks who have always been down on my making current wine. I haven't even attempted it in the past three years. That bottle was only for sickness. Oh, don't cry. I don't see it as being your fault. I'm just sorry it happened at all.

ANNE: I can't describe,  my heart is broken. The stars in their courses fight against me.

MARILLA: Don't talk such foolishness, child.

ANNE: Excuse me, Marilla!

SCENE: The woods beyond the Cuthbert house.

ANNE: Your mother hasn't relented?

DIANA: I told her it wasn't your fault, and I cried and cried, but it's no use, Anne. We can't ever be friends again.

ANNE: Diana, will you promise never to forget me, no matter what other friends come into your life?

DIANA: I could never love anyone as much as I love you, Anne.

ANNE: Do you really love me?

DIANA: Of course I do.

ANNE: Nobody's ever loved me for as long as I can remember, except for Matthew and Marilla. Will you swear to be my secret bosom friend?

DIANA: But isn't it wicked to swear? We're in enough trouble already.

ANNE: Not when you're swearing a vow. I solemnly swear to remain faithful to my bosom friend, Diana Barry, for as long as the sun and the moon shall endure. Now you say it.

DIANA: I solemnly swear to remain faithful to my bosom friend, Anne Shirley, for as long as the sun and the moon--

ANNE: Shall endure.

DIANA: Shall endure. And as long as my mother doesn't find out.

ANNE: Oh, she mustn't.

DIANA: I have to get back; she'll be suspicious.

ANNE:  Wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet black tresses?

DIANA: But I don't have any black dresses.

ANNE: Your hair.

DIANA: Alright. I have to go.

ANNE: Farewell, my beloved friend. Henceforth we must be strangers living side by side, but my heart will be ever faithful to thee.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MISS STACEY: Would you join us in the classroom? And how about you? You want to join our class?

SCENE: Inside the schoolhouse.

MISS STACEY: Good morning, class. Please, sit down. I am your new teacher, Miss Stacey. I want to begin by saying that I think it's most unfair that the teacher should always have to ask all the questions, and I'm hoping that you'll be enthusiastic enough about my classes that you'll pepper me with questions. I shall do my very best to live up to the standards you were used to under Mr. Phillips. But, I caution you, I am unfailingly strict about punctuality and attention in class. However, I do believe that the best teacher serves as a guide, and I promise you that if you are willing to put yourself under my guidance, I shall do my utmost to help you form strong ideals; ideals which will be the foundation of your future lives. I want to look back on this class as being the brightest, the most imaginitive, the most committed students on Prince Edward Island.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.

MISS STACEY: Please remain after class, Anne. I'd like to have a few words with you. [after class] I'm disappointed in you, Anne. Reading novels during geometry class is a misuse of your time. Moreover, it's a deception.

ANNE: Can you ever forgive me, Miss Stacey? I promise I won't even look at Ben Hur for a whole week as penance, not even to see how the chariot race turned out.

MISS STACEY: I'm returning this to you because I Know I can trust you not to let it happen again. Oh, Anne, you know I want to encourage you to read literature, to develope your imagination; it's a prescious gift. But not during geometry class.

ANNE: Miss Stacey, I knew you were sympathetic to the human plight the minute we met.

MISS STACEY: I understand you have a plight of your own.

ANNE: Diana Barry. We were bosom friends, but alas, her mother's refused to even let her speak with me.

MISS STACEY: Yes, I had a visit from Mrs. Barry.

ANNE: I can't understand the social persecution of being an orphan. It is a terrible injustice to be falsely accused.

MISS STACEY: Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth, Anne. You see, it frightens them, so they put up walls to protect themselves from it. What we must bear in mind is that all these trials and tribulations that pop up in our lives, well, they serve a very useful purpose: they build character, as long as we can hold on to the lessons we've learn from our mistakes. Remember, we can always start everything fresh tomorrow.

ANNE: That is a tremendous consolation, Miss Stacey.

MISS STACEY: Hmm?

ANNE:  Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.

MISS STACEY: Well, there's no mistakes in it yet. As far as the truth goes, don't lose heart. Diana will always be your friend. No matter what anyone accuses you of, in the end  the truth will set you free.

ANNE: The truth will set you free.

Part 5
SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.MARILLA: Did you bring the pudding?

ANNE: Excuse me for a minute, Marilla; here's something I've got to check outside for a moment.

MARILLA: What do you have to check? Oh, that girl.

ANNE: Perhaps we should have the plum pudding without the sauce.

MARILLA: Whatever for? I've never served it without the sauce.

ANNE: I forgot to put the cheese cloth over it last night. I was imagining I was a nun, on my way to the altar to take the vows--

MARILLA: Well, then you were lucky that the mice had sense enough to stay away from it. [knock at door] Oh, goodness gracious. Who could that be now, at this hour just before supper? Oh, Miss Stacy!

MISS STACY: Good evening, Miss Cuthbert. Well, I was just over at the Barry's and, well, I thought I'd take the opportunity to stop by.

MARILLA: What has she done, now? I hope this carfuffle with Diana Barry hasn't made her neglect her studies.

MISS STACY: No. No, no, not at all--quite the contrary. Anne is doing simply excellent work, which is why I'm here. I wondered, would you permit her to join a special class? You see, I intend to give extra classes after school for those students who intend to take the entrance exams at Queens.

MARILLA: The college in Charlottetown? Our Anne?

MISS STACY: She's bright and energetic, and, well, very determined. I think that she could pass for a teacher, or even go on to the university.

MARILLA: Well, I always thought that a girl should learn to make a living; it's a very insecure world. Well, of course she can join the class, if she wants to.

MISS STACY: Well, that is wonderful!

MARILLA: Why don't you stay for supper? I'm just about to set the table.

MISS STACY: Oh, no. Oh, no. I-- Really, I couldn't impose.

MARILLA:  Oh, stuff and nonsense! You wouldn't be imposing at all, and then you can tell Anne all about it, yourself.

MISS STACY: Well, alright.

SCENE: The Cuthbert living room.MISS STACY: That was a delicious din, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Oh, thank you, Miss Stacy. Anne actually made this plum pudding herself.

MISS STACY: Oh really? Well, I can hardly wait to taste it.

MARILLA: Oh, please, do.

ANNE:  DON'T EAT IT, MISS STACY!

MARILLA:  Anne, what is wrong with you?

ANNE: A mouse drowned in the sauce, Marilla. I was working up the courage to tell you when Miss Stacy came and...

MARILLA: Anne, if you intend to go for teacher, you are going to have to give up your featherbrained ways. You are not interested in anything but your silly daydreams and nothing else.

ANNE: I really am trying to overcome my faults, Marilla. I chatter on far too much. But if you only knew how many things I want to say and don't, you'd give me some credit.

MISS STACY: [laughs]

ANNE: Well, I suppose in the end it was a romantic way to perish, for a mouse.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.MISS STACY: Marissa.

STUDENT: Thank you.

MISS STACY: Good afternoon. Diana.

DIANA: Thank you, Miss Stacy.

MISS STACY: You're welcome.

ANNE: Aren't you going to be in the Queen's class?

DIANA: Mother says I should concentrate on learning to run a household instead of pouring over books so much.

ANNE: Oh, Diana. I feel as though you've tasted the bitterness of death.

MISS STACY: Alright class. Let's start with the Latin verbs. We'll move on to algebra after that. Please open your books at page three.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.MARILLA: Now be sure you get Matthew's meals on time, and I should be home tomorrow before supper.

ANNE: Have a lovely time. Do you think you'll meet the prime minister?

MARILLA: Oh, if Rachel has anything to do with it, we'll more than meet him. He shall be subjected to a lecture on the ills of Prince Edward Island, the country, and the world -- in that order. Be good.

ANNE: Bye.

SCENE: The Cuthbert living room.ANNE: Mrs. Lynde says the country's going to the dogs, the way the government runs things. Do you think that's true, Matthew?

MATTHEW: Rachel Lynde is a Grit.

ANNE: She says, "If women were allowed to vote, we would soon see a blessed change." Which way do you vote, Matthew?

MATTHEW: I vote Conservative.

ANNE: Then I'm a Conservative, too. I'm glad 'cause Gil--, I mean, some of the boys at school are Grits. Ruby Gillis says that when a man is courting, he always has to agree with the girl's mother in religion and her father in politics. Ruby Gillis knows all about courting because she has three older sisters. Did you ever go courting, Matthew?

MATTHEW: Well, I don't knows if I have.

ANNE: Never, ever, ever? [he shakes his head no] Why ever not?

MATTHEW: Well, I couldn't do it without talking to a girl.

ANNE: Well, I'm sure there were many broken hearts as a result.

MATTHEW: Oh, go on.

ANNE: Ruby Gillis says when she grows up, she wants to have a line of beaus on a string and make them crazy for her. I'd rather have one in his rightful mind. There are some things in this world that even I cannot hope to understand.

MATTHEW: Well, I don't know if I can comprehend all of them, either.

ANNE: Diana?

DIANA: My little sister's awful sick with the croup, and Mary Joe's babysitting. She doesn't know what to do. And we can't get word to mother and father because they're at the rally still.

ANNE: Don't worry, Diana. Matthew will get the doctor. We're such kindred spirits, I can read his thoughts.

DIANA: Dr. Blair's at the rally, too. Oh, Anne, I'm scared. The baby can't breathe.

ANNE: Get my coat, Diana. Stop crying, Diana. I know exactly what to do for the croup. Ipecac is an expectorant. Mrs. Hammond's three sets of twins all had croup regularly, Diana, and it was me that treated them.

SCENE: The Barry house.ANNE: She's pretty bad, but I've seen worse. Put some wood in the stove, Mary Joe, and boil some water. I don't mean to hurt your feelings, but you might have thought of that before if you'd had any imagination. Diana, get a fresh change of clothes, and I'll keep administering the ipecac. [later] I've given her the last of the ipecac. Mary Joe, look after the water. We'll change the muster plaster. [still later, to doctor] I gave her every last drop of ipecac, but it wasn't until she coughed up the phlegm that she really began to improve. You must imagine my relief, doctor. Some things cannot be expressed in words.

DOCTOR: Would have been too late by the time I got here. You saved this little baby's life.

SCENE: On a road.ANNE: I can't go to school. I can barely keep my eyes open. But I hate to stay at home; Gil will get ahead and...

MATTHEW: Gid'yup!

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.ANNE: Good morning.

MARILLA: Afternoon's more like it, Anne. You slept the day away, though no one's ever been more entitled to it, I hear.

ANNE: Did you meet the prime minister? What does he look like?

MARILLA: Well, he certainly didn't become prime minister on account of his looks, but he's a fine speaker. He shook my hand.

ANNE: How exciting. I can just imagine the thrill of the rally with all those people.

MARILLA: Mrs. Barry was over here before begging to see you. I wasn't about to wake you. You're invited to dinner. I should imagine humble pie is on the menu.

ANNE: Marilla, may I go right now? I'm aching to see Diana.

SCENE: The Barry house.MRS. BARRY: I'm so ashamed, Anne. You saved my baby's life.

ANNE: I harbor no hard feelings toward you, Mrs. Barry. I hope you believe me once and for all that I never meant to intoxicate Diana.

MRS. BARRY: Of course I believe you, child. I'm so sorry I ever doubted you.

DIANA: Mother says you can come with us to the Christmas ball at Carmody.

MRS. BARRY: And we'd be honored if you'd stay the night with Diana as well. It's a very special occasion, and you would be our guest of honor.

SCENE: The Cuthbert living room.MARILLA: You can calm down because you're not going. For a woman so adamantly against current wine, I'm surprised she's allowing Diana to go. The ball is for adults, not children.

ANNE: But Marilla, it's Christmas. The minister's gonna to be there. He's giving an address, and that's almost the same as a sermon.

MARILLA: You heard what I said, and you know what I meant by it. There'll be plenty of balls when you're older.

ANNE: I was invited to spend the night. I'm to be the guest of honor.

MARILLA: Ah, well, it's just an honor you'll have to forego, aye? Now off to bed.

ANNE:  This is a wound I shall bear forever. Good night.

MATTHEW: You'd have been proud of her presence of mind, the way she saved that Barry baby. Why don't you let her go?

MARILLA: Remember, Matthew, who we agreed would be raising her. Mrs. Barry just wants to ease her conscience, and I'm not going to allow it. And no amount of huffing and puffing from you, is going to change my mind. You'd let her go to the moon, if she had the notion. Well, I don't approve of balls. Just full her head with nonsense.

MATTHEW: Fact is, Marilla, you never went to a ball. Fact is, this whole idea's got you scared to death. That little girl ought to have all the kindness we can give her. We've got no call to raise her as cheerless as we was. It ain't interfering to have an opinion. Besides, it's Christmas. You ought to let her go.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.MARILLA: Alright, you can go. This is all Matthew's doing, though; I wash my hands of it. If you get overheated and catch pneumonia, blame Matthew.

ANNE: Marilla, I dreamt last night that I arrived at the ball in puffed sleeves and everyone was overcome by my regal am--

MARILLA: Regal, my eye. You're dripping dirty, greasy water all over my clean floor! And if I have to listen to anymore of this, I'll just change my mind, that's what I'll do.

SCENE: Lawson's MercantileALICE LAWSON: Well, Mr. Cuthbert, what can I do for you today?

MATTHEW: Well, now, uh... I'd like, uh... Have you got any, uh... Do you have any garden rakes?

ALICE LAWSON: Now, we don't carry garden rakes in the store in December, but I'll check upstairs. We may have one or two in storage. [leaves; returns] The very last one.

MATTHEW: Oh, that's nice.

ALICE LAWSON: Will there be anything else, Mr. Cuthbert?

MATTHEW: Well, since you suggested, uh... I might want to look at some hayseed.

ALICE LAWSON: Oh, we don't carry hayseed till spring, Mr. Cuthbert.

MATTHEW: Oh, certainly. Of course.

ALICE LAWSON: That'll be 75 cents for the rake, Mr. Cuthbert.

MATTHEW: Uh, while I'm here, uh... I might want to look at, uh... If it wouldn't be too much trouble, uh...

ALICE LAWSON: Yes...

MATTHEW: Sugar.

ALICE LAWSON: Sugar?

MATTHEW: Some sugar.

ALICE LAWSON: Oh, white or brown?

MATTHEW: Well, uh... What would you say?

ALICE LAWSON: Well, we have some nice brown sugar in stock, Mr. Cuthbert. How much would you like?

MATTHEW: Well... Would twenty pounds be enough?

ALICE LAWSON: Yes, I'm sure twenty pounds would be enough. That'll be $1.

MATTHEW: [whispering] I need a dress. With puffed sleeves.

ALICE LAWSON: Puffed sleeves?

MATTHEW: For Anne.

ALICE LAWSON: For land's sake, Mr. Cuthbert, why didn't you say so in the first place? Now, you just come with me to the window.

SCENE: The Cuthbert kitchen.ANNE: Oh! It's so beautiful!

MARILLA: Brown sugar, indeed. I knew Matthew was up to some foolishness.

ANNE: Marilla, look at the puffs.

MARILLA: They're ridiculous. You'll have to turn sideways to get through the doors.

ANNE: This can't be real.

MARILLA: I hope your satisfied, young lady. I don't want you strutting around here vain as a peacock, so now you go upstairs and take that off.

ANNE: I have to thank Matthew.

MARILLA: Twenty pounds of brown sugar.

SCENE: The barn.MATTHEW: I should have waited till Christmas, but I thought you might want to wear it to the ball. Don't you like it?

ANNE: Like it? It's more exquisite than any dress I could ever have imagined.

MATTHEW: Puffed sleeves.

ANNE: The puffiest in the world. You are a man of impeccable taste, Matthew.

MATTHEW: I don't want to get your dress dirty.

SCENE: The ball.MRS. BARRY: Diana. Enjoy yourselves tonight, okay? Hello, John, Martha, Elizabeth. How are you?

ANNE: I'm positively certain this will spoil everyday life forever.

DIANA: In three years, I'm going to wear my hair like Alice Bell. She's only seventeen and I think she looks ridiculous. I'm going to wait until I'm eighteen. My, my. Doesn't Gilbert look dashing tonight?

ANNE: Gilbert? I hadn't noticed him.

DIANA: It's too bad you've been so awful to him--he might of asked you to dance.

ANNE: If I wanted him to ask me, which I don't, he certainly would. Gilbert Blythe would stand on his head for me if I asked him to.

DIANA: Ah! He looked right at you again, Anne! I bet you couldn't get him to dance with you.

ANNE: Alright, Diana. If you insist. [goes over to Gilbert] Good evening, Mr. Blythe.

GILBERT: [to a friend] Tell your brother I'll be seeing him at the tobogganing party.

PUNCH WOMAN: A glass of punch?

ANNE: Thank you.

GILBERT: Diana! You look wonderful tonight. Merry Christmas!

DIANA: Merry Christmas to you too, Gilbert.

ANNE: How could you wish that person a merry Christmas?

DIANA: I gather that person didn't ask you to dance, after all. Well, will you give me the pleasure instead?

ANNE: Thank you. I believe I will.

SCENE: A room in the Barry house.DIANA: I think Gilbert took your dance card.

ANNE:  Such a romantic gesture would be utterly beyond his imagination.

DIANA: Well then who? Josie Pie?

ANNE: A secret admirer, obviously.

DIANA: We should get to bed before mother comes down. She said we could sleep in the spare bedroom. Isn't that exciting?

ANNE: Alright, then. I'll race you to see who get the warm side of the bed. Ready? Get set. Go!

SCENE: The spare bedroom.AUNT JOSEPHINE: Oh! Merciful heavens! What is the meaning of this?

DIANA: Aunt Josephine. Mother said you weren't coming until tomorrow.

AUNT JOSEPHINE:  Is that any reason to try to kill me in my sleep? Diana Barry, you are the worst behaved girl I have ever known. Your parents will certainly hear about this outrage.

ANNE: It's all my fault, ma'am. It was my idea to race.

DIANA: And we didn't know you were in here. Honestly, we didn't. Please don't tell mother, Aunt Jo. We're terribly sorry.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I most certainly will tell her. She'll want to know the reason why I changed my mind about the music lessons I was going to pay for. You need a few lessons in behavior more than in music, young lady. Now get out of here and let a poor old woman get some sleep.

SCENE: The hallway.DIANA: This is really dreadful, Anne. I've always wanted music lessons, and she's the only one in the family who's rich enough to pay for them.

ANNE: I'll explain tomorrow. Don't worry, Diana.

DIANA: She'll probably leave in a big huff first thing tomorrow morning. But I don't care. She's only father's great-aunt -- never been close. It was pretty funny, wasn't it? Did you see the look on her face?

ANNE: I can't have you lose your music lessons because of me. I'll just have to have a talk with her.

DIANA: Anne, don't. She'll eat you alive.

ANNE: I've had lots of practice in making apologizes before. Just leave it to me.

Part 6
SCENE: Barry drawing room.AUNT JOSEPHINE: What? Come to finish the job?

ANNE: Sorry I startled you, ma'am.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Who are you?

ANNE: Anne of Green Gables and I've come to confess.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Confess what? I'm not interested in the confessions of assassins who masquerade as little girls.

ANNE: It was all my doing, Miss Barry. Diana would never think of such a thing as racing to a bed and jumping on it. She's far too lady-like,  whereas I am merely an orphan who doesn't know any better. So I think you ought to forgive Diana and let her have her music lessons back.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Oh, you do, do you?

ANNE: Yes, ma'am.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Do you have any idea what it's like to be wakened from the few hours of precious hours of sleep granted an old woman in a strange bed by two ferocious, wild girls landing on her head?

ANNE: I don't know. I can imagine it must have been terrifying in the extreme. And if you had any imagination you could have put yourself in our place.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I haven't been in your place for forty-seven years, thank you very much.

ANNE: Don't you have any imagination, Miss Barry?

AUNT JOSEPHINE: At my age,  imagination is a threat to life.

ANNE: Well, we honestly didn't know you were in there, and you scared us half to death. You should just imagine how exciting it was going to be for me to sleep in a spare bedroom, reserved for important company such as yourself. As it was, I had to sleep with Minnie May, and you don't know how she kicks. Mine was the sleep of the bitterly disappointed, Miss Barry. I was forced to lie awake all night with the knowledge that I had cost Diana her career as a world famous concert pianist.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I suppose your claim to sympathy is as valid as mine. Do you know what I am composing here, Anne of Green Gables?

ANNE: I'm sure I don't, Miss Barry.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: It's a note expressing my outrage to Diana's parents. The trouble is I don't feel outraged anymore. So, what do you suggest.

ANNE: Perhaps if Diana apologized, which she's too frightened to do at this moment.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I have a better idea. Suppose I reinstate her music lessons in exchange for you coming to visit me in Charlottetown on occasion?

ANNE: Me, Miss Barry?

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Yes, you, Anne of Green Gables. Diana can come along as well. You amuse me, and precious little in this world amuses me at my age.

ANNE: You seem a very interesting old woman to me. You're not an old ogre at all, are you? I didn't mean that. Excuse me, Miss Barry.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I most certainly am an old ogre, and don't you let on any different. Will you come and see me? Then go tell Diana she can be a concert pianist after all.

ANNE: Thank you, Miss Barry. We appreciate your making up your mind so swiftly.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Good day, Anne-girl.

SCENE: The Hallway.ANNE: You wouldn't think so to look at her, but she is definitely a kindred spirit, Diana.

SCENE: The Barry pond.DIANA: [reading from letter] "Please find enclosed, two silver bagels. One for you and one for the Anne-girl. I want to become better acquainted with you both. If you come to town for a visit, I will put you up in my very sparest of spare rooms. Yours very truly, Aunt Josephine Barry."

ANNE: You know, Diana, kindred spirits aren't as scarce as I used to think.

SCENE: The schoolhouse.MISS STACY: Anne, do you intend to daydream during the Charlottetown exam? Five minutes, class.

SCENE: In carriage on the way to Aunt Josephine's.DIANA: Well, don't worry. In two days, it will all be over.

ANNE: This is one of those rare moments when not even my imagination can solve my anxiety.

SCENE: Aunt Josephine's house.DIANA: Hello, Aunt Jo.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Diana. So, you've come to see me at last, you Anne-girl. Mercy me. You're both so much better looking than you used to be.

ANNE: I'm sure Diana is. My hair is still red.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Come in, come in, John. Take the bags right upstairs. Wipe your feet.

MR. BARRY: Aunt Jo.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: You must be tired from your trip. Nancy will prepare your bath and look after you. I suppose you want to cram for your exam tonight.

ANNE: Miss Stacy made me promise not to open a book, so I won't get the jitters.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: In that case, we can have a leisurely dinner after you've freshened up. And following your exam tomorrow, I've planned a tremendous surprise. Nancy, tell John I will have my tea with him in the palm room.

DIANA: I've never been here before. I didn't know she was this rich.

ANNE: No wonder she has so little imagination. That's one consolation about being poor--you have to dream all this up.

SCENE: The spare bedroom.DIANA: I wish I could go with you and help you somehow, Anne.

ANNE: Don't make me nervous. I'm trying to imagine away this horrible, fluttery feeling around my heart.

DIANA: I have faith in you. You'll pass alright.

ANNE: I'd rather not pass at all than come out somewhere in the middle. Matthew and Marilla, Miss Stacy. Everyone has such great hopes for me. It would be such a disgrace if--

DIANA: Gilbert came first?

ANNE: I suppose I'd settle for beating Gilbert Blythe, if I had to.

DIANA: Just keep thinking about Gilbert, then.

ANNE: Yes, Gilbert.

SCENE: Queens Academy classroom.PROFESSOR: Please do not touch your papers until all the examinations have been distributed, or they will be discounted completely. You may now begin.

SCENE: Outside Queens Academy.ANNE: Ah. For one awful moment, I felt exactly like I did three years ago when I asked Marilla if I was to stay at Green Gables.

MISS STACY: You had me worried there for a moment. I could see you turning green. Oh, but I knew you'd pull through.

ANNE: Well, pass or fail, I'm going to miss you tremendously, Miss Stacy.

MISS STACY: I want to wish you all the luck in the world, Anne Shirley. If anyone deserves to be successful, it's you. I'll be watching out for you, even from Halifax.

ANNE: So, you really are going to leave Avonlea?

MISS STACY: I have my own little set of troubles. Oh, nothing to worry about. Remember,  true friends are always together in spirit.

ANNE: Thank you, Miss Stacy, for giving all of us the chance to make something of ourselves. Someone else wants to say goodbye.

MISS STACY: I want to remind you of something you once told me. Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it.

SCENE: A café/diner.DIANA: I was born for city life.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: And what's your opinion, Anne.

ANNE: I hadn't thought seriously about it until now. I think I would probably come to the conclusion that I'd like it for a while, but in the end, I'd still prefer the sound of the wins and the birds across the brook more than the tinkering of crystal.

MADAME SELITSKY: [sings an aria, "Non mi dir, bell' idol mio" from the opera "Don Giovanni" by Mozart]

AUNT JOSEPHINE: What do you think now, Anne?

ANNE: I was wrong. I don't see how I could ever return to common life after this, Miss Barry.

SCENE: Aunt Josephine's house.ANNE: Madame Selitsky had a definitive alabaster brow, Diana.

DIANA: Did you see Alice Bell there, parading around like she had an alabaster brow?

ANNE: If I had Alice Bell's crooked nose, I wouldn't-- Oh no, I shouldn't have said that. That's uncharitable. I was comparing it to my own nose and that is vanity. Someone complimented me on my nose long ago and I'm afraid I've thought about it far too much ever since.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I ought to hire you as my court jester, Anne-girl.

ANNE: I wasn't meaning to be funny.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Well, I hope you both enjoyed the matinee.

DIANA: Oh, immensely.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: And you, Anne.

ANNE: Unforgettably.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Then you must stay with me when you come back and study.

DIANA: Maybe I'll come stay with you, too.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: You'd both be welcome! I haven't has so much fun since-- Well, never mind in how long since. I thought Marilla Cuthbert was an old fool when I'd heard that she'd adopted a little orphan girl. But I see now which of us was the old fool.

SCENE: Outside Aunt Josephine's house.DIANA: Bye, Aunt Jo!

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Bye, girls.

ANNE: Bye, Miss Barry.

DIANA: Bye! Thank you!

ANNE: Thank you for everything!

AUNT JOSEPHINE: It was lovely having you here.

DIANA: Bye!

ANNE: Bye!

SCENE: In carriage on way home.MR. BARRY: Hello there, Gil. You're on your way home, too?

GILBERT: Yes, sir.

MR. BARRY: Well, I wish we could offer you a ride.

GILBERT: Oh no, that's alright. I'm meeting Moody at the station. Anne, I wish you luck on the exam. I hope you come in first. You've worked hard.

ANNE: Thank you, but I'm sure the first will go to you.

GILBERT: Well, I guess we'll see, won't we.

SCENE: The Barry pond.ANNE: Ruby, you be Elaine. You're the only one who has golden hair.

RUBY GILLIS: I couldn't lie there and pretend I was dead. I'd die of fright. Honest.

DIANA: You be Elaine, Anne. This is your idea.

ANNE: A red-haired person cannot play the Lily Maid. Tennyson would never approve.

DIANA: Your complexion is just as fair as Ruby's. And anyway, your hair's darker now than just plain old red.

ANNE: Really?

JANE ANDREWS: I'd say it's definitely auburn, and that's sort-of close to blonde.

ANNE: Well, alright. It isn't not authentic. Lay the piano cover over me.

RUBY GILLIS: Gosh, she really looks dead. I'm frightened. Mrs. Lynde says that acting is a sin.

ANNE: Ruby, keep quiet. You're spoiling the effect. Besides, this is hundreds of years before Mrs. Lynde was born. Diana, you arrange all of this. It's ridiculous for Elaine to be talking when she's supposed to be dead. DIANA: Alright. Jane, the flowers. Now she's ready. Anne, for gosh sakes, smile a little. It says here, "Elaine lay as though she smiled." That's better. Alright, ladies. Let us send her to her watery grave.

ANNE: [reciting lines 37-41, 132, 134, 141, 143-4 from Lord Alfred Tennyson's The Lady of Shalott]

There she weaves by night and dayA magic web with colours gay.She has heard a whisper sayA curse is on her if she stay    To look down [on] Camelot.And at the closing of the dayThe broad st[r]eam bore her far away,And as the boat-head wound alongThey heard her singing her last song,    The Lady of Shalott.

SCENE: On the lake shore.JANE ANDREWS: She looked so good with her hair.

DIANA: Anne!

RUBY GILLIS: She drowning! Anne's drowning!

DIANA: We have to go get some help.

RUBY GILLIS: Anne's drowning! ALL: [screams]

SCENE: Under the bridge.GILBERT: Anne Shirley. What in heck are you doing?

ANNE: Fishing for lake trout.

GILBERT: For lake trout?

SCENE: The Barry house.DIANA: Nobody's home.

RUBY GILLIS: It's too late. She's drowned and we're murderers.

DIANA: Matthew. Come on.

RUBY GILLIS: [cries]

SCENE: The Barry pond.ANNE: Well, if you must know, I was in Diana's skiff but it sprang a leak and I had to climb onto the piling or sink. Now, if you'd be so kind as to row me to the landing.

GILBERT:  Ah, I see. Well, then the fact is I rescued you.

ANNE: Help was on the way and I was calmly waiting for it.

GILBERT: You're most welcome.

ANNE: I am grateful for your assistance, Mr. Blythe, even though it was not required. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find my friends. They are likely overcome with fear for my life.

GILBERT: Well, Anne, wait. Wait a minute. I was just down at the post office to see if the Queens results had been printed.

ANNE: Congratulations on coming first, Gilbert. I'm sure you're very proud of your achievements.

GILBERT: Wait a second, you ninny. We tied for first place. You and I. I figured you'd have it for sure. We all passed--our entire class.

ANNE: First of all two hundred?

GILBERT: I'm sorry you had to share it with me.

ANNE: I never expected to beat you.

GILBERT: Can't we be friends now? This childishness has gone on long enough, don't you think?

ANNE:  The fact that you rescued me unnecessarily hardly wipes out past wrongs.

GILBERT: Look, I'm sorry I ever said anything about your hair. You have no idea how sorry. But it was so long ago. Aren't you ever going to forgive me?

ANNE: You hurt my feelings excruciatingly.

GILBERT: I only said it because I-- Because I wanted to meet you so much.

ANNE: Why did you turn your back on me at the Christmas ball?

GILBERT: Anne, that was over a year ago.

ANNE: It was a deliberate humiliation.

GILBERT: And I knew exactly what you were thinking, too, Anne Shirley. You and Diana Barry. Look, can we be friends now?

ANNE: Why don't you figure it out, if you're so clever.

GILBERT: Anne, wait a minute.

ANNE: Everyone will think I've drowned.

SCENE: Barry field.DIANA: Oh, Anne. We thought you were dead. It was all our fault. And Ruby's having a fit. Oh, Anne, how did you ever escape?

ANNE: I climbed underneath the bridge and Gilbert Blythe came along and rowed me to shore.

JANE ANDREWS: Oh, how romantic! Of course you'll speak to him from now on.

ANNE: Of course I will not! I don't ever want to hear the word "romance" again, Jane Andrews. It's easy enough in Camelot, but it certainly isn't appreciated in Avonlea. Oh, I'm sorry I frightened everyone so. It was all my fault.

RACHEL: Well, I'm sure that John Barry will be pleased to hear that he no longer owns a dory, Anne Shirley.

MARILLA: Oh, you do beat all, girl. When are you going to have any sense?

ANNE: I think my prospects are brightening. I just saw the pass list for Queens. For better or for worse I tied, with Gilbert Blythe, for first.

MARILLA: First?

DIANA: Oh, Anne. You must be so proud.

MARILLA: I must say, you've done pretty well for yourself, Anne.

RACHEL: Well, I guess she has done well, Marilla. Far be it from me to be backwards when praise is due. You're a credit to us all and we're all proud of you.

SCENE: A bridge.MARILLA: Woap.

GILBERT: Good afternoon, Miss Cuthbert.

MARILLA: Good afternoon.

GILBERT: I'm Gilbert Blythe.

MARILLA: Yes. You've grown into quite a young man.

GILBERT: So, you must be very proud of Anne. It's a real challenge keeping up with her at school.

MARILLA: Yes, Matthew and I are both proud. She has the talent to make something of herself. But she's still very young, Gilbert. Good afternoon.

GILBERT: Good afternoon, ma'am.

Part 7
SCENE: Lawson's Mercantile.ALICE LAWSON: So, what are you going to recite, Anne?

ANNE: I've decided to give The Highwayman. It's very pathetic. Laura Spencer is giving a comic recitation, but I prefer to make people cry.

ALICE LAWSON: Are you nervous?

ANNE: A little bit, even though I've stood out in public so often. But I feel very well-prepared and that helps.

ALICE LAWSON: Well, this organdy will look elegant under the electric lights at the White Sands Hotel. Oh, mother tried to convince me to audition for a violin solo. Can you imagine? I mean, I haven't picked up a bow in three years. The Charlottetown hospital is a worthy cause and all, but I am not prepared to suffer humiliation for it.

ANNE: We're all amateurs. They may be very sorry they've asked any of us to do it when it's all over.

ALICE LAWSON: Oh, hardly the case with you, Anne. After standing first at Queens, you can do no wrong in this community.

ANNE: Someone ought to tell that to Marilla.

ALICE LAWSON: Well, Mr. Cuthbert is sure proud. He plunks down his money awful quick these days for anything I tell him is pretty and fashionable.

ANNE: Alice Lawson! You devil! Don't you go abusing Matthew's generosity to me. You do have good taste though. I'll see you at the concert.

SCENE: On the road home.GILBERT: Hello, Anne. Whoa. Can I offer you a ride home? You promised we were going to be friends. Remember?

ANNE: Well, alright. It is rather awkward with all these. It was good of you to stop.

GILBERT:  Seems I'm developing quite a habit of getting you out of awkward situations.

ANNE: I thought a lot about what happened at the bridge, Gil. What I mean to say is, it was very rude of me to just run off like that. But I was very overwrought over learning my score--our score. I mean, I wasn't myself.

GILBERT: That's alright. Life's too short to hold grudges, anyway.

ANNE: It's valiant of you to say so. You'll go far with that kind of attitude.

GILBERT: You know what you're going to study at Queens, Anne?

ANNE: I intend on taking my teacher's license in one year instead of two, like Miss Stacy suggested.

GILBERT: Gee, I was imagining you would have a career on the stage. Well, I think you'd make a swell actress, especially as the Lily Maid. I hear you're giving The Highwayman at the White Sands recital.

ANNE: My life is an open book I see. Who told you that?

GILBERT: Well, I have a little confession to make. I was just at the Lawson's myself and Alice told me you were walking home.

ANNE: Oh.

GILBERT: I'm going to try to get you an encore while you're up there so make sure you have a second selection ready.

ANNE: No one is going to encore me.

GILBERT: Well, I would. Especially if I had the honor of escorting you to the concert.

ANNE: Uh, I don't know. I promised the Barry's I'd go with them, but--

GILBERT: I think you're old enough to make up your own mind, Anne.

ANNE: I've always been old enough to make up my own mind. Very well then, Gilbert. I'd be pleased to accept your invitation. Could you let me off at the corner, please. I'm going to take a shortcut and show Diana what I bought.

SCENE: The Cuthbert house.MARILLA: Well, say something, Matthew. She was holding his hand.

MATTHEW: She'd have to hold his hand if he was helping her out of the buggy.

MARILLA: What was she doing in that buggy?

MATTHEW: Nothing worth all this fussing.

MARILLA: She's just a child, Matthew. She doesn't know what she's doing.

ANNE: Hello everyone. Sorry I was late. I stopped over at Diana's and she just loves the material you chose, Matthew.

MARILLA: Anne Shirley, I've just been informed by a reliable source that you were seen at Avonlea crossroads in a buggy with a young man.

MATTHEW: Marilla!

ANNE: He only offered me a ride home. He was just being friendly.

MARILLA: Not according to Rachel Lynde.

ANNE: Rachel Lynde?

MARILLA: Yes. Rachel Lynde saw you.

MATTHEW: Marilla, she ain't done nothing wrong.

MARILLA: Matthew. Remember, in the beginning, I told you not to put your oar in.

SCENE: Anne's bedroom.MARILLA: I'm sorry I lost my temper, Anne.

ANNE: Marilla, please. I never meant anything to come of all this.

MARILLA: And nothing has, as yet. Anne, you've changed so much; grown so tall and so stylish. You don't belong in Avonlea anymore. I get lonely just thinking about it. You'll be going off into the world to make your way and you don't want to make any ties here that you might come to regret later.

ANNE: No matter where I go or how I change, I'll always be your Anne. Anne of Green Gables.

SCENE: A Field.ANNE: I want you to give this to him.

DIANA: [reading from letter] "Dear Gilbert, I regret that I will be unable to attend the White Sands concert with you. Sincerely, Anne Shirley." Why won't you go with him?

ANNE: Plenty of reasons why I won't go. I only accepted in first place because he dared me.

DIANA: Well, I think you owe him an explanation.

SCENE: Anne's bedroom.MARILLA: I hope you don't ruin your dress driving there in the dust. It's far too thin for this damp weather. I'm sorry agreed to it.

ANNE: Thank you, Matthew.

MATTHEW: Well, there's no sense in saying anything to you, Matthew, but those pearls look absolutely ridiculous. I don't know where you get these silly ideas.

ANNE: Matthew is proud of the way I look.

DIANA: [from outside] Anne!

ANNE: They're here. Thank you, Marilla and Matthew. I mustn't keep them waiting.

MARILLA: Now, mind you keep your dress clear of the wheel.

MATTHEW: Good luck, Anne!

ANNE: I'll be watching for you both.

SCENE: The White Sands Hotel.DIANA: Gilbert gave me this in return for your note. He's coming to watch you anyway. I didn't want Jane or Gabby Brothers to see me.

ANNE: [reading from letter] "...to your own opinion. It would have been easier if you told me in person, if you still consider me your friend. Sincerely, Gilbert Blythe." I won't be accused of being a coward, Diana. He doesn't understand. Tell him I'll speak to him the first minute I can steal away tonight.

DIANA: Calm down, Anne.

ANNE: I'm so ashamed. I can't go up on that stage. I can't. I'll be merciless if I fail.

DIANA:  You've never failed at anything, Anne Shirley. Go on.

AMELIA EVANS: [reciting lines 76-88 of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's The Wreck of the Hesperus]

At daybreak, on the bleak sea-beach, A fisherman stood aghast, To see the form of a maiden fair, Lashed close to a drifting mast.

The salt sea was frozen on her breast, The salt tears in her eyes; And he saw her hair, like the brown sea-weed On the billows fall and rise.

Such was the wreck of the Hesperus, In the midnight and the snow! [God] save us all from a death like this, On the reef of Norman's Woe! Ho! ho! the breakers roared LADY IN YELLOW: Mrs. Evans has just completed a European tour.

LADY IN BLUE: Oh, she's a prodigious talent. I was moved beyond words.

MRS. SPENCER: On behalf of the Charlottetown hospital, I would like to offer our indebtedness to Mrs. Amelia Evans for gracing us with such a stirring performance in support of today's benefit. Thank you. And now, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present one of Avonlea's most celebrated students, who achieved the highest standing in the recent entrance examinations to Queens Academy: Miss Anne Shirley.

LADY IN BLUE: It will be amusing to see what arises from the local amateur actors.

ANNE: [reciting lines 1-6, 25-30 and 85-90 from Alfred Noyes' The Highwayman]

"One kiss, my bonny sweetheart, I'm after a prize tonight, But I shall [return] with the yellow gold before the morning light; Yet, if they press me sharply, and harry me through the day, Then look for me by moonlight, Watch for me by moonlight, I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way."

Back, he spurred like a madman, shouting a curse to the sky, With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high. Blood-red were his spurs in the golden noon; wine-red was his velvet coat; When they shot him down on the highway. Down like a dog on the highway, And he lay in his blood on the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat. The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees.The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.The road was a ribbon of moonlight over the purple moor,And the highwayman came riding--    Riding--riding--The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn-door. AUDIENCE: Encore! Encore!

LADY IN YELLOW: Dear, you were splendid. Go back. They're encoring you.

ANNE: I can't go back.

LADY IN YELLOW: Yes, you can.

SCENE: Reception area.MARILLA: Anne, I have to admit I was so proud.

MRS. BARRY: Your recitation was as magnificent as Mrs. Evans'... ANNE: It's plain red; it's just a fancy way of saying it.

DIANA: Well, he thought you were wonderful anyway.

LADY IN YELLOW: You'll forgive me for stealing her away again, won't you? There are so many people waiting to meet our young Miss Shirley.

ANNE: Will you excuse me? I don't mean to be rude, but there is someone I absolutely must speak with. I'll return right away. I promise.

LADY IN YELLOW: Very well, dear. But hurry up, I have important people waiting.

SCENE: Outside the White Sands hotel.{| align="right" ANNE: Gilbert! Gilbert!
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SCENE: A field, at sunset.DIANA: I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk to him, Anne. Blame me, if you want.

ANNE: It's alright, Diana. Some things just aren't meant to be.

DIANA: Did you see all those diamonds? I wish I were rich and I could spend my whole summer at a hotel eating icecream and chicken salad.

ANNE: You know something, Diana? We are rich. We have sixteen years to our credit, and we both have wonderful imaginations. We should be as happy as queens. Look at that! You couldn't enjoy it's loveliness anymore if you had ropes of diamonds.

DIANA: I don't know about that.

ANNE: I'm content with my string of pearls. Matthew gave them to me with as much love as ever went into any of those stuffy women's jewels. I am happy Diana, and nothing is going to hold me back.

Part 8
SCENE: Bright River train station.MARILLA: Hurry up, Anne. Do you think the train is going to wait for you?

ANNE: I'll take it, Matthew. It'll be easier if I go quickly by myself.

MARILLA: Getting emotional over nothing.

ANNE: Nothing? You both mean everything to me.

MARILLA: All this foolishness. You might as well kiss him, too.

STATION MASTER: All aboard!

MARILLA: I'm afraid for her, Matthew. She'll be gone so long. She'll get terrible lonesome.

MATTHEW: You mean, we'll get terrible lonesome.

MARILLA: I can't help wishing that she'd stayed a little girl.

MATTHEW: Mrs. Spencer made a lucky mistake, I guess.

MARILLA: It wasn't luck; it was Providence. He knew we needed her.

MATTHEW: Even with her queer little ways.

MARILLA: I loved her for them.

SCENE: In a carriage, Charlottetown.AUNT JOSEPHINE: I like people who make me like them. It saves me so much forcing myself to like them. Oh, but I'd be a much happier woman if you stayed at Beechwood with me.

ANNE: There's no other place I'd rather be, Miss Barry.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I know it's impractical. You need to be near the school. The lady who runs this boarding house is a gentle woman of reduced circumstances. You'll be quite safe. Here we are, Peter.

SCENE: The boarding house.WOMAN: Miss Barry said you have a creative turn of mind, so I've given you my best room, looking out over the street.

ANNE: Thank you, I'm sure.

WOMAN: Cheer up, now. I've had dozens of students and not lost one of them yet. If there's anything you want, just let me know.

ANNE: Thank you. I can't cheer up. I don't want to cheer up. I'd rather just be miserable.

SCENE: Queens Academy classroom.PROFESSOR: Those of you who have elected to complete the program for the teacher's license in one year instead of two, have a difficult struggle ahead of you, but you're here because we know you're capable of doing it. These first two weeks will be a probationary period in which you can decide whether you really want to complete the program in a single year. In that sense, these first two weeks will be the most important you spend at Queens. Bear that in mind.

SCENE: Outside Queens Academy.JOSIE PYE: Anne Shirley! You look positively ill. Whenever your nose and eyes get red, you just seem red all over.

ANNE: Tell me, how are the first year students doing?

JOSIE PYE: Our French professor is a dream. He's the cutest mustache. Come for lunch and I'll tell all. I'm meeting Jane and Ruby and some others.

ANNE: Thank you, but I have other business to attend to.

JOSIE PYE: Gilbert won't be there, if that's what's worrying you.

ANNE: Whatever do you mean?

JOSIE PYE: Gilbert Blythe is a rake, and after his insulting behavior at the White Sands concert, I've decided to completely ignore him. Besides, there are far more dashing young men around here anyway.

ANNE: I'm amazed that Gilbert could even insult you.

RUBY AND JANE: Anne!

RUBY GILLIS: We've been looking all over for you.

RUBY GILLIS: What's second year class like?

ANNE: I don't know anyone. I wish you people had decided to go into second.

RUBY GILLIS: Second? I'll be lucky if I pass first.

JOSIE PYE: I don't care if I don't pass. My father can afford to send me back.

JANE ANDREWS: You know, Anne, Frank Stafford told me that the graduate that receives the highest mark in English Lit. this year wins the Avery scholarship: $250 a year for four years.

ANNE: Are you sure?

JANE ANDREWS: The board of governors is announcing it tomorrow. I'll be you for sure, Anne.

ANNE: I don't know. This is a much bigger pond we are swimming in now than in Avonlea.

JOSIE PYE: Will you two goody-goodies control yourselves. There's a lot more to do around here than keeping your nose in the book.

JANE ANDREWS: Come on.

SCENE: A Café/Diner.AUNT JOSEPHINE: So, you have been here one week and already you are planning to take an arts degree from Redmond College.

ANNE: I fully intend to win that Avery scholarship if hard work can do it.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: I never knew a girl with such ambition, except perhaps myself. But my ambition was money. God knows I've succeeded.

ANNE: I've never really considered money.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Probably just as well, though I can hardly believe I'm saying so. Wealth can be very empty when you don't have someone to share it with. But by the time I realized that, no one would have me except men who wanted my money more than I did.

ANNE: You aren't lonely, though, are you?

AUNT JOSEPHINE: Not with you in town! Now tell me, have you made all kinds of interesting friends your first week here, then?

ANNE: I've a small circle of friends, but no bosom friends, mind you.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: And what about young men in that circle of friends?

ANNE:  I've become too practical for romance. Like Marilla, I shall probably end up an old maid. Miss Barry, I didn't mean that.

AUNT JOSEPHINE: It isn't all bad. A married woman could never be as cantankerous as I am free to be. But it's not a circumstance I'd recommend for you. Make a little room in your plans again for romance, Anne-girl. All the degrees and scholarships in the world can't make up for the lack of it.

SCENE: School library.ANNE: May I leave this for Gilbert Blythe?

MAN: You can take it to him yourself, miss. He's across the hall.

ANNE: Thank you.

STUDENT: Can't you just picture it, Gilbert: Emily Clay, winner of the Avery scholarship?

GILBERT: Don't be too sure.

SCENE: The Cuthbert house.MARILLA: [reading from letter] "Dear Marilla and Matthew, It hardly seems possible that the term is almost over. I've become so preoccupied with my work, I've almost lost track of time. But here I am with exams looming up before me, and for the time being, they are all there is in the world. But, as Rachel Lynde used to say, 'The sun will go on rising and setting whether I fail in geometry or not.' I think I'd rather it didn't go on if I failed. I miss you both very, very much. Yours lovingly, with all my heart, Anne."

MATTHEW: She sounds unhappy.

SCENE: Outside Queens Academy.JANE ANDREWS: Oh, cheer up Anne. You have to win at least one of the awards.

ANNE: I'm sure I care anymore.

JANE ANDREWS: That's a fine attitude after all the work you've put in!

ANNE: I have no hope for the Avery. Everyone has practically said that Emily Clay is getting it.

JANE ANDREWS: You'll probably get the gold metal, then.

ANNE: Well, I'm not going to look at the bulletin board. I'm going to go straight to the girls' dressing room.

JANE ANDREWS: I'll come find you.

ANNE: If I fail, just say so, Jane. Don't break it to me gently, and don't sympathize.

STUDENTS: Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray! Hurray for Gilbert Blythe, winner of the gold metal! Yeah! [clapping, etc.]

STUDENT: Three cheers for Anne Shirley, winner of the Avery!

STUDENTS: The Avery! Hip, hip, hurray! Hip, hip, hurray! Hurray for Anne Shirley, winner of the Avery! Yeah! [clapping, etc.]

SCENE: Beach front.ANNE: Isn't that breath of mint delicious? I can't bear the thought of leaving here again.

DIANA: Four long years. I'll probably be old and grey when you do come back, Anne.

ANNE: More likely married to a dashingly handsome young man and too busy with babies to be interested in your former bosom friend.

DIANA: Such as who? Moody?

ANNE: I'll pray that someone wonderful comes to Avonlea and sweeps you off your feet.

DIANA: Gilbert's getting the Avonlea school you know.

ANNE: He isn't going to college?

DIANA: His father can't afford to send him so he's going to earn his way. Did you ever explain to him?

ANNE: Some books are better left on the shelf. I wish him luck, though. He's a determined young man.

DIANA: Then as far as you're concerned, he's fair game.

ANNE: Why, Diana Barry! If you were interested in Gilbert Blythe, why didn't you ever say so?

DIANA: Because I thought my bosom friend was in love with him.

ANNE: In love with Gilbert Blythe? Me? DIANA: Yes, you. Gilbert did say that being smart was better than being pretty.

ANNE: Goodnight, dear, sweet Diana.

DIANA: Goodnight.

SCENE: The Cuthbert field. Matthew falls. ANNE: Matthew! Matthew! What is it?

MATTHEW: I'm alright.

ANNE: Please, Matthew. You need help. We've got to get a doctor.

MATTHEW: I've worked hard all my life. I'd rather just drop in the harness. I got old; I never noticed. ANNE: If I'd been the boy you sent for, I could have spared you in so many ways.

MATTHEW: I never wanted a boy. I only wanted you from the first day. Don't ever change. I love my little girl. I'm so proud of my little girl.

ANNE: Matthew, don't.

SCENE: The church cemetery.REV. ALLAN: We have stood here in silent prayer at Matthew Cuthbert's grave, and struggled, each of us, to see the meaning in his life. But the mystery of death prevails. All we know is that we are troubled in our hearts that this evidence of death comes to all of us. In the end, all we know is that we loved him, and we commend his soul to Jesus.

GILBERT: Miss Cuthbert. Anne. I'm very sorry for your loss.

MARILLA: Thank you, Gilbert Blythe.

SCENE: Anne's bedroom.ANNE: [cries]

MARILLA: There, now. Oh, dear. It won't bring him back.

ANNE: Keep your arms around me, Marilla, for a little while. Tears don't hurt like the ache does.

MARILLA: I know I've been strict with you. I don't know what I'd do if you'd never come. But you mustn't think that I don't love you as much as Matthew did. It's never been easy for me to say, the things from my heart, but you're like my own flesh and blood now. It's not right to cry so. God knows best. Oh, he was always such a kind brother to me.

ANNE: We have each other now.

MARILLA: Yes. Yes.

SCENE: Outside the Cuthbert house.MR. SADLER: Morning, Miss Cuthbert. And how is Green Gables holding up these days?

MARILLA: Oh, pretty well. I haven't seen you around these parts much lately.

MR. SADLER: Oh, uh, business in Carmody takes all my time, you know what I mean. This sure is a lovely piece of countryside.

MARILLA: It is that. People in Avonlea say it's the prettiest acreage on the north shore.

MR. SADLER: Matthew kept up this place impeccably. You don't want to let it get run down at all. Decreases the value. Now may be a good time to consider selling if you want to get the highest value for your farm.

MARILLA: Well, I can't deny that the thought has crossed my mind.

MR. SADLER: You could certainly retire on what I am prepared to offer you.

MARILLA: Thank you, Mr. Sadler.

ANNE: What did Mr. Sadler want?

MARILLA: He once offered to buy Green Gables and he's still interested.

ANNE: Buy Green Gables? Marilla!

MARILLA: I don't know what else to do. My eyesight is getting weaker. Dr. Spencer says that if the headaches persist, I might lose it completely. What if I can't run this place? Rachel has kindly offered to let me live with her.

ANNE: But you can't sell Green Gables!

MARILLA: Anne, I would go crazy if there was trouble and I was alone hear. I'm sorry that you won't have a home to come to on your vacations. Oh, I never thought I'd live to see the day when I would sell this place. But, we'll survive somehow.

ANNE: You won't have to stay here alone. I'm not going to Redmond.

MARILLA: What do you mean?

ANNE: I'm not going to take that scholarship. I've already decided, but I hadn't told you yet. Mr. Barry said he'd run our fields next year, and I'm going to take the school at Carmody. They need a teacher and I'm sure they'd be glad to have me. I can drive back and forth until the weather gets bad, and then I'll board and come home on the weekends.

MARILLA: I won't let you sacrifice your education for me. I won't allow it, Anne Shirley.

ANNE: I am going to do it. I'm sixteen years old and just as stubborn as you are.

MARILLA: Oh, you blessed girl. I know I ought to stick to it and make you go to college, but I've learned better than to stand in your way. Gilbert Blythe will be teaching, too. Won't he?

ANNE: Yes.

MARILLA: What a nice looking young boy he is. He looks a lot like his father did at that age. We used to be real good friends, he and I. People called him my beau.

ANNE: And what happened?

MARILLA: We quarreled and I wouldn't forgive him when he asked me to. I wanted to after a while, but I was stubborn and I wanted to punish him first. He never came back. I, uh, always felt rather sorry. I, uh, sort of wished that I'd forgiven him when I had a chance.

SCENE: The Cuthbert porch.RACHEL: Glad to hear you've come to your senses, Anne. Teachers course one year, and off the Redmond the next. I don't believe in women going off to college with the men, cramming their heads full of Latin and Greek.

ANNE: I'm doing my courses by correspondence, Rachel.

MARILLA: With all the work you have to do, teaching over at Carmody and looking after Green Gables? Marilla, talk some sense to the girl.

MARILLA: Mind your own business, for once, Rachel, and leave her alone. Anne thrives on studying.

RACHEL: Well, Marilla. She'll kill herself, that's all there's to it. "Pride goes before the fall."

SCENE: Cuthbert fields. GILBERT: Woah. Hello, Anne.

ANNE: Taking a short-cut, Mr. Blythe?

GILBERT: Miss Cuthbert said I could find you here. [gives her a letter] Open it.

ANNE: [reading from letter] "We would be prepared to agree to your proposal to engage Miss Shirley under contract for one year in the post of teacher at Avonlea Public School." But that's your post?

GILBERT: I took the liberty of speaking to the trustees about an exchange. I'll be getting Carmody and you can stay at Green Gables.

ANNE: I don't know what to say.

GILBERT: Don't say anything.

ANNE: You'd have to pay for your board. You'll never save enough for college. You can't--

GILBERT: I'll save enough. Besides, I'm keeping up my courses by correspondence.

ANNE: So am I. Thank you, for giving up the school for me, Gilbert. It's very good of you and I want you to know that I appreciate it.

GILBERT: I figure you can give me help with my work, and I'll call it a fair exchange.

ANNE:  Aren't you worried I'm liable to break another slate over your head?

GILBERT:  I'm more worried I might break one over yours, Carrots. I'll walk you home.

July 1815 to June 1816

 * Matthew Cuthbert is born (he is 60 in June 1876).

September 1828 to mid-August 1829

 * Bert Thomas is born (he is 42 in the last week of August 1871).

mid-February 1832 to early February 1833

 * Joanna Harrigan (Thomas) is born (she is 32 in early 1865).

mid-March 1845 to early March 1846

 * Bertha Shirley is born (she is 19 when Anne is born).

mid-February 1848 to early February 1849

 * Joanna is sixteen and meets Bert Thomas.
 * July: Joanna and Bert are married.

mid-February 1849 to early February 1850:

 * Eliza Thomas is born (she is 15 in early-to-June 1865).

April 1840 to early March 1850

 * Charlotte Hammond is born (she is 24 in 1874).

mid-February 1850 to early February 1851

 * Trudy Thomas is born (she is 14 in early 1865).

mid-February 1851 to early February 1852

 * Margaret Thomas is born (she is 13 in early 1865).

1852

 * Jessie MacIntyre and Gerald Gleeson are married (they have been married for twelve years in 1864).

1862

 * Gilbert Blythe is born (he is 'almost fourteen' in October 1876).

1864

 * June: Bertha Shirley teaches English at the Bolingbroke High School.
 * September: Jessie Gleeson visits Bertha Shirley.
 * mid-October: Bertha realises she is pregnant.
 * 25 December: The Shirleys spend Christmas with the Gleesons and MacIntyres.

1865

 * early February: Joanna Thomas comes to help Bertha around the house. The Thomas girls are Eliza (15), Trudy (14) and Margaret (13).
 * February: Diana Barry is born.
 * 5 March: Anne Shirley is born in the afternoon. Bertha is 19.
 * 19 March: Mrs Thomas leaves the Shirleys' house (two weeks after Anne's birth).
 * May: Walter re-hires Mrs Thomas to help Bertha out.
 * 27 May: Gerald Gleeson falls sick.
 * 31 May: Two of the Gleeson girls fall sick.
 * 1 June: Jenny Gleeson is reportedly very ill.
 * 3 June: Walter feels the beginning of a sore throat.
 * June (a Saturday): Anne is now being bottle-fed. Bertha is ill. Jenny Gleeson dies.
 * June (the following Monday): Bertha Shirley dies.
 * June (the following Thursday): Walter Shirley dies.
 * June: Morning of Bertha and Walter's funeral: Jessie Gleeson suggests adopting Anne. Her husband refuses. Afternoon: The Thomases adopt Anne (Joanna's idea).
 * June (the next day): Bert Thomas pawns the jewellery from inside the Shirleys' enamel box.
 * November-December: Anne takes her first steps at eight or nine months old.

1866

 * 5 March: Anne turns one.
 * c. March: Joanna realises she is pregnant.
 * August: Horace Thomas is born. Eliza is 16.

1867

 * 5 March: Anne turns two.
 * November: Edward Thomas is born.

1868

 * late February to early March: Eliza tells Anne about her (Eliza's) old friend, Katie Maurice.
 * 5 March: Anne turns three.

1869

 * 4 March: Joanna tells Anne to call her 'Mrs Thomas' instead of 'Mama'.
 * 5 March: Anne turns four.
 * later: Jessie Gleeson 'visits' the Thomases.
 * August: Harry Thomas is born.

1870

 * 5 March: Anne turns five.
 * later: Roger Emerson asks Eliza to marry him. Eliza is almost 20. Joanna is 37.
 * c. September: Noah Thomas is born on the same day that Eliza and Roger are married. Anne is five and a half. Horace is four. Harry is one.
 * c. October (one month after Eliza's wedding): Anne discovers Katie Maurice.
 * later: Bert smashes one half of Katie Maurice's windows while drunk. He is fired, and the family are forced to prepare to move to Marysville for Bert's new job.

July 1870 to June 1871

 * Lily Jones is born (she is five in June 1876).

1871

 * January: Jessie Gleeson visits and offers to take Anne, but Joanna refuses. Anne has lived with them for 'almost six years'. The family move to Marysville. It is snowing. Joanna and Bert have been married for 'over twenty years'. Noah is 'over a year old' (incorrect; he should be closer to five months). Anne is almost six. An official (Mr Summers) visits and says she can go to school.
 * February: Anne is 'not quite six years old'. She meets Mrs Archibald and the Egg Man (Mr Johnson) on the same day.
 * 5 March: Anne turns six. It is a Friday.
 * 10 March: Mrs Archibald tells Anne the story of Mr Johnson. She also gives Anne a birthday present (a roll of blue ribbons). Mr Johnson gives Anne her first set of words. Anne will go to school in five days' time.
 * 15 March: Anne starts school. Miss Henderson is her teacher. There are 16 other pupils. The other girls in the primer class are Sadie Brown (who is six) and Mildred Plimson. Both have been there since September. Randolph is 14, and is in Grade 6 for the third time.
 * April: Anne receives Randolph's dictionary.
 * probably still April: A blizzard. Miss Henderson meets Mr Johnson.
 * 15 April: Anne's Pool of Mirrors finally melts.
 * April?: It is 'not long after the blizzard'. Anne buys a replacement vegetable brush for Joanna.
 * August: The Thomases and Anne go on an all-day picnic to the seaside.
 * last week in August: Mr Johnson is 28. Miss Henderson is 19. Anne is 'getting on for seven', but looks about eight. Bert gets drunk, gets into a fight and loses his job. He is 42.
 * 5 September: Joanna leaves for the first of her four jobs.
 * 6 September: Horace starts school, though he is only five. Anne visits Mrs Archibald and Mr Johnson.
 * mid-late September: Miss Henderson visits with school supplies for Anne.

1872

 * 5 March: Anne turns seven.
 * November: Randolph leaves school and Marysville to work in Kingsport.
 * 3rd week of December: Miss Henderson visits with Christmas presents for Anne.
 * 20 December: It snows.
 * December: Bert buys Christmas presents for the family and Anne.
 * 23 December: Joanna runs out of eggs for pudding. There is a 'ferocious wind', so Bert goes to get eggs from Mr Johnson instead. He also brings home a Christmas tree, and they decorate it.
 * 24 December: Bert buys an angel for the tree, as well as bells for the horses.
 * 25 December: Christmas Day. Anne forgives Bert.
 * 26 December: Boxing Day.
 * 27 December: Anne talks to Katie Maurice.

1873

 * 5 March: Anne turns eight.
 * November (Saturday): Mr Summers visits to see why Anne hasn't been coming to school. It is a Saturday. Joanna has spent 23 years with Bert.
 * November (the following Monday): Anne returns to school.

1874

 * January: The snows come. No one in the Thomas household can get to Marysville.
 * Friday of the third week in January: Noah falls in the snow and gets a fever and croup. Anne saves him with ipecac from Mrs Archibald.
 * March: Noah is back to good health.
 * 5 March: Anne turns nine. She receives presents from Mrs Archibald, Miss Henderson and Mr Johnson.
 * March (a Sunday): Anne's birthday was 'last week'. Bert is restless and leaves in the direction of Marysville after supper.
 * March (the following Monday): The news arrives: Bert was killed the night before by a train.
 * March (the following Tuesday): Joanna's parents and Bert's side of the family come to pay their respects and discuss what to do. Nobody wants to take Anne.
 * March: Mrs Hammond visits. Miss Henderson and Mr Johnson visit to say goodbye and tell Anne they are going to be married and will move away. Noah is four. Mrs Hammond takes Anne away with her. Mrs Hammond is 24. Ella is three (nearly four). Gertie is two (nearly three). The first twins are one (nearly two). George and Hugo are ten months old.
 * March (the next day): Anne begs to be allowed to go to school, and offers plenty of chores in return. This is granted, and she takes George for a walk, where she discovers Violetta and meets Miss Haggerty, a midwife. Miss Haggerty is 75. Her hair turned snow white when she was 25.
 * March (the following Monday): Anne starts school 'up the river'. Her teacher is Mr McDougall.
 * late March: Bert's funeral takes place in Bolingbroke, a week after Mrs Hammond takes Anne.
 * mid-April: Mr McDougall teaches about Prince Edward Island, and Anne develops a fascination with it. Miss Haggerty gives Anne instructions about when Mrs Hammond goes into labour.
 * April: Mrs Hammond gives birth to another set of twins, whom Anne names Roderick and Julie Anna.
 * mid-May: Five weeks have passed since the births, and Anne can now return to school.
 * June: School closes for the summer. Anne suggests Mr Hammond build a playpen for the children.
 * August: Ella and Gertie's kitten dies.
 * September: Mr Johnson (presumably) goes with Miss Henderson to Bolingbroke. She goes to Normal School to get her teacher's licence; he takes up teaching in the Bolingbroke High School.
 * second week of September: The playpen is ready for use.
 * October: Some of the toys for the children are ready.

1875

 * January-February: There are six weeks when the snow is so bad neither Anne nor any of the other children can go outside.
 * 5 March: Anne turns ten.
 * April: Roderick and Julie Anna turn one.
 * May: Ella turns five, Gertie turns four, the first twins turn three, George and Hugo turn two.
 * July: Miss Henderson and Mr Johnson are (presumably) married.
 * September: Anne returns to school.
 * 10 December: A big storm, marking the last day of school until spring for Anne.

1876

 * first week in February: Mr Hammond dies of a weak heart.
 * February (three days afterwards): Relatives from both sides arrive and parcel out the children.
 * February (the next day): It is decided that Anne will go to the orphanage in Hopetown. She says goodbye to Violetta and Miss Haggerty. Mr McDougall visits, and she returns the photo she stole from him.
 * February (the next day): Mrs Larsen takes Anne to the orphan asylum. Miss Carlyle notes that Anne is eleven, though this is not strictly true.
 * February (the next day): First day at the asylum. Miss Kale, the teacher, is fifty-five years old. Edna Godfrey is 'about twelve'.
 * 5 March: Anne turns eleven.
 * April (approx. ten weeks after Anne's arrival): Anne and Edna become friends.
 * May: Anne tells Edna about her (Anne's) past.
 * later: Edna betrays Anne.
 * June (two weeks later): Anne has now been at the asylum for three and a half months. Tessa is eight years old. It is June.
 * June (a Saturday): Edna tells Anne that a fancy lady from PEI is coming to take two girls away with her. Anne resolves to be good enough to hopefully be chosen.
 * June (the following Sunday): Anne's behaviour and hard work impresses Miss Carlyle and Miss Kale.
 * June (the following Monday): Mrs Spencer pays a visit to the asylum. Anne has been there for four months. There has not been an adoption for eleven months. Miss Carlyle recommends Lily Jones (five years old) and Anne. Mrs Spencer takes them away with her, and they travel to PEI and the Bright River train station. Flora Jane Spencer is 'now in her late teens'. Mrs Rachel Lynde pays a visit to Green Gables. Matthew is sixty. Diana is 'about eleven'. Anne arrives at Green Gables.
 * June (the next day): Marilla decides to take Anne to the Spencers' to sort the mess out. Anne tells Marilla about herself. At the Spencers', Mrs Blewett offers to take Anne, but Marilla refuses. Anne and Marilla return to Green Gables. Anne says her prayers.
 * June (the next day): Marilla tells Anne she can stay at Green Gables. It is only a fortnight until the school holidays (which presumably start in July). Diana Barry is visiting her aunt in Carmody.
 * July: Anne has been at Green Gables for a fortnight. The school holidays have presumably begun. Mrs Lynde has had grippe since she visited Green Gables, and has only now recovered. She visits Green Gables and insults Anne about her looks. Anne flies into a temper and insults Mrs Lynde in return. Marilla is at least fifty years old.
 * July (the next day): Matthew helped Marilla paper the spare room four years ago, but has never been upstairs since. He visits Anne and persuades her to apologise. After milking, Marilla takes Anne to Lynde's Hollow, and Anne apologises to Mrs Lynde.
 * July (a Saturday): Marilla presents Anne with three newly made-up, very plain dresses.
 * July (the next day – Sunday): Marilla has a headache, so Anne goes to Sunday-school alone, but decorates her plain hat with pink and yellow flowers. There are nine other girls in her class, all with puffed sleeves. Miss Rogerson, her teacher, is a middle-aged lady who has taught a Sunday-school class for twenty years.
 * July (the following Friday): Marilla finds out about the flowers on Anne's hat. Diana Barry returns from Carmody in the afternoon, and Marilla and Anne pay a visit to Orchard Slope, where Anne finds a bosom friend in Diana. Diana's birthday is in February. It has only been three weeks since Anne came.
 * July (the next day): Anne and Diana build a playhouse (Idlewild) in Mr William Bell's birth grove.
 * August: There is to be a Sunday-school picnic next week.
 * August (the following Saturday): It rains, and Anne is worried about the fate of the picnic. Marilla makes her sew an extra patchwork square.
 * August: (the following Sunday): Marilla wears her amethyst brooch to church as usual.
 * August: (the following Monday): Marilla attends a Ladies' Aid meeting while wearing her black lace shawl. In the evening, she discovers her brooch missing. Anne was the last person to touch it, but denies taking it. Marilla decides to keep Anne in her room until she confesses.
 * August (the following Tuesday): Anne confesses to Marilla with a fantastical tale about dropping the brooch in the Lake of Shining Waters. Marilla is flabbergasted, and tells Anne she still cannot attend the picnic.
 * August (the following Wednesday): Marilla finds the brooch accidentally caught on her black lace shawl. Anne goes to the Sunday-school picnic after all, and has a splendid time.
 * 1 September: Anne's first day of school. The teacher is Mr Phillips; she is in the fourth book and the others her age are in the fifth. Prissy Andrews is sixteen and is studying for the entrance exam to Queen's next year. Anne receives her first compliment.
 * September (three weeks later): Anne named Lover's Lane 'before she had been a month at Green Gables'. Gilbert Blythe has been 'visiting his cousins in New Brunswick all summer and he only came home Saturday night', according to Diana. His father was sick four years ago and went out to Alberta for his health. Gilbert went with him; they were there three years, during which Gilbert hardly went to school. Both Gilbert and Josie are in the fourth book with Anne, though Gilbert is 'nearly fourteen'; Josie is implied to be nine or ten. That afternoon, Gilbert takes Anne's hair and calls her 'Carrots'; she retaliates by cracking her slate across his head and is punished by Mr Phillips, who makes her stand on the platform with 'Ann Shirley has a very bad temper' written above her head. Gilbert tries to apologise to Anne, but is coldly rebuffed.
 * September (the next day): Anne is singled out by Mr Phillips for punishment after arriving late to school after the dinner hour, even though the boys were just as late as her. She has to sit next to Gilbert Blythe for the rest of the afternoon, and when school is over, she takes her school things and vows never to return. Marilla, flabbergasted, goes to Mrs Lynde for advice, and Mrs Lynde tells her to let Anne learn her lessons at home for the time being.
 * later: Marilla comes in to find Anne crying bitterly at the prospect of losing Diana once Diana gets married, which makes Marilla let out a hearty laugh.
 * later: Anne forgets to put the tea to draw until it's time to sit down for supper. Matthew puts the tea down himself and Anne tells him a fairy story while they wait. She forgets the ending, but just substitutes her own, and Matthew says he can't tell where the join came in.
 * October (a Tuesday): There is plum pudding for dessert at Green Gables. Marilla tells Anne to put the leftover half pudding and jug of sauce in the pantry, covered, to keep for another day. Anne, however, daydreams and forgets all about covering the sauce.
 * October (the following Wednesday): In the morning, Anne remembers the sauce and runs to the pantry to find a mouse drowned in it. She removes the mouse and intends to ask Marilla if she should give the sauce to the pigs, but forgets. Mr and Mrs Chester Ross from Spencervale visit Green Gables that morning and stay for dinner, when Marilla decides to serve the warmed-up plum pudding and sauce for dessert. Anne jumps up and shouts out that there was a mouse drowned in the pudding sauce. Marilla takes away the sauce and serves strawberry preserves instead, but scolds Anne after Mr and Mrs Chester Ross leave.
 * October (the following Saturday): In the morning, Diana rides to Mr Harmon Andrews' house in Matthew's cart. Anne goes to Orchard Slope to invite Diana to tea. Marilla goes to a Ladies' Aid meeting at Carmody in the afternoon, leaving Anne alone at Green Gables while Matthew hauls a load of potatoes to the Lily Sands. Diana arrives shortly after Marilla leaves. Anne and Diana have tea, and Anne goes to the pantry to get the raspberry cordial Marilla said they could have. Unfortunately, after drinking three glasses of the cordial, Diana feels sick and insists on going home.
 * October (the following Sunday): It rains all day, forcing Anne to stay home.
 * October (the following Monday): In the afternoon, Marilla sends Anne to Mrs Lynde's on an errand. Mrs Lynde, who visited Mrs Barry that morning, tells Anne that Mrs Barry is angry at Anne for setting Diana drunk on Saturday and sending her home in such a condition. Mrs Barry decides not to let Diana play with Anne anymore, leaving Anne heartbroken. Both Marilla and later Anne visit Mrs Barry to explain (and Anne to apologise), but Mrs Barry refuses to be moved.
 * October (the following Tuesday): Diana and Anne share a tearful farewell by the Dryad's Bubble.
 * October (the following Monday): Anne returns to school, where she is welcomed back. Gilbert Blythe leaves a strawberry apple on her desk, but she refuses to touch it. Diana now sits with Gertie Pye, and Anne with Minnie Andrews.
 * October (the following Tuesday): Timothy Andrews discovers the apple and takes it for his own. Anne and Diana pass heartfelt notes in school.
 * October (end of the month): Anne and Gilbert have become academic rivals. Gilbert beats Anne in the monthly written examinations by three points.
 * November (end of the month): Anne beats Gilbert in the exams by five points.
 * later (by the end of the school term, probably December): Anne and Gilbert are both promoted into the fifth class, which introduces Latin, geometry, French and algebra to the workload. Anne finds geometry particularly challenging.

1877

 * January (a school day): Marilla and Mrs Lynde attend a Canadian Premier's political rally in Charlottetown, leaving Anne and Matthew alone.

Sullivan Entertainment live-action universe timeline
from http://anne.sullivanmovies.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/downloads/Anne_Timeline.jpg

Anne 4

 * 1888: Anne is born
 * Anne's mother dies
 * Anne is sent to the poorhouse
 * Anne arrives at the Thomas Mansion

Anne 1

 * 1900: Anne arrives at the Hammonds'
 * Anne is sent to PEI and adopted by the Cuthberts
 * Anne meets Diana Barry and Gilbert Blythe
 * Anne wins a scholarship and takes a teaching post in Avonlea

Anne 2

 * 1904: Anne takes a teaching post at Kingsport Ladies' College
 * Anne commits to Gilbert

Road to Avonlea

 * 1907: Sara Stanley arrives in Avonlea at the King Farm
 * Marilla Cuthbert adopts Davey and Dora Keith
 * Death of Marilla Cuthbert

An Avonlea Christmas & Anne 3

 * 1914: WWI Starts
 * Felix King goes off to war
 * Anne & Gilbert go to New York
 * Gilbert enlists in WWI
 * Diana & Fred move into Green Gables
 * Anne returns with adopted son Dominic

The Missing Years

 * 1919

Anne 4

 * 1945: Green Gables is up for sale
 * Anne returns to Green Gables
 * Anne writes a play
 * 1946