20 A Queen’s Girl

CHAPTER 20 A Queen's Girl The time came for Anne to leave for college. Both Anne and Marilla were reduced to tears— even Matthew's eyes were a little wet as they drove to the station. There was much hugging and promise of letters before Anne boarded the train. Anne and her Avonlea friends—and Gilbert— registered at the Academy, then

settled into their rooms. Since she and Gilbert had the top exam score, they were allowed to take extra classes. This meant they could get their teaching degree sooner. There was a lot of work ahead, but Anne knew their rivalry would spur them on. Anne felt a bit lonely. She missed Green Gables and Diana, but was determined to work hard to earn the Gold Medal for highest marks. There was also the Avery Scholarship to think about. If she was lucky enough to receive it, she could spend another year at college. Anne's homesickness wore off as she made new friends and threw herself into her work. Although she and Gilbert took all the same classes, they still didn't speak. They kept up their race for top marks and just watched each other from afar. One thing that Anne did notice—and it bothered her more than

she liked—was that Gilbert walked Ruby Gillis home from school every day. It was hard to imagine them having much to say to each other. Ruby had even told Jane she didn't understand half of what Gilbert said. He talked just like Anne and always had his head in his books. Anne didn't spend much time thinking about boys. Although she did think that if she and Gilbert were friends, they could walk home from the station together and have so much to talk about. On the day final marks were announced, Anne and Jane walked into the main hall to learn who would receive the Gold Medal and the Avery Scholarship. The hall was crowded. The first thing Anne saw was a group of boys carrying Gilbert on their shoulders—calling his name and cheering.

Anne's heart fell. So, she had lost after all. It would be hard to tell Matthew. Suddenly, the students were calling out her name as well. "Three cheers for Anne Shirley the winner of the Avery!" "Oh, Anne," Jane said, "isn't it wonderful?" For the first time in her life, Anne was speechless. It seemed that Gilbert had won the Gold Medal and she'd won the Avery. Her eyes filled with tears of joy.