18 The Queen’s Class Is Organized

CHAPTER 18 The Queen's Class Is Organized One night as they sat before the fire, Marilla brought up an important subject. "Anne," she said. "Miss Stacy was here to talk about you." Anne sat up with fright. She tried to remember if she had done anything awful lately but nothing came to mind. Even her adventure as Elaine was long ago. Why

would Miss Stacy visit? "I haven't done anything to disappoint you, have I?" she asked. "It's nothing like that," Marilla replied. "She wanted to talk to you about going to college. She thinks you're smart enough and wants you to take the exams." "Really, Marilla?" Anne exclaimed. "Could it be true?" "Of course, Anne," Marilla said. "Several children are preparing for the test—Jane Andrews, Josie Pye, Gilbert Blythe." "Oh," said Anne scornfully. "Does this mean I'll have to study with Gilbert?" There was open rivalry between them ever since the day he had asked for her forgiveness—and she refused. He wouldn't even look at her. Anne was surprised at how much this bothered her. It didn't feel at all like winning. Deep down in her heart, she knew that if she

could answer him again, she wouldn't say "no." Their small study group met every day. Miss Stacy led them through Latin and math drills. By summer, everyone was tired from the hard work, but pleased with their progress. Anne knew that this summer would be her last as a little girl. It wouldn't be long before she wore long skirts and put her hair up in a bun. So she meant to make the most of this summer and enjoy every last moment of it. There was more talking than climbing trees, though. And more sitting and reading than acting out stories. She and Diana were happy just to spend this time together. Diana wondered what would happen to them when they grew up. "I hope we can find someone rich to marry so we'll never have to worry."

"We are rich," said Anne. "Why, we have sixteen years to our credit, and we're happy as queens and we've all got imaginations, more or less. I'm quite content to be Anne of Green Gables." Anne's last year at school passed quickly. She studied hard for the college entrance exam—and to beat Gilbert for the highest mark.