5 Anne’s History

CHAPTER 5 Anne's History Do you know," said Anne, "I've made up my mind to enjoy this ride. I'm not going to think about going back to the orphanage but only how lovely everything is." Anne sat up straight. "Look at those pink buds! They are perfect, don't you think? Pink is a lovely color but not for people with red hair. Have you ever known anyone with red

hair as a little girl and it changed to a different color when they grew up?" "No, I don't think I ever did," said Marilla. "I don't think it will happen in your case either." Anne sighed. "Well, 'another hope is dashed.' That sounds so romantic, don't you think, Miss Cuthbert? Another hope is dashed. I read that in a book and like to say it whenever I can. Will we be passing through Avonlea? I do love the name of the town—Avonlea." "Anne, we have five more miles to go. Why don't you tell me about yourself?" "There isn't much to tell, I'm afraid. Both my parents died of a fever when I was still a baby. Their names were Walter and Bertha Shirley. Aren't those lovely names? I went to live with Mrs. Thomas until I was eight years old. She and her husband lived nearby and

had four children—all younger than I—and I helped to take care of them. When Mr. Thomas died, his wife and kids went to live with his mother but she didn't want me. I went to live with Mrs. Hammond since I was so good with kids. She lived up the river with her husband and eight children—including three sets of twins. Can you imagine? When Mr. Hammond died, Mrs. Hammond moved to the States and I went to the orphanage. I was there four months when Mrs. Spencer picked me out." When Anne had finished her story, she let out a big sigh. It was tiring telling her life story. "Were those women—Mrs. Thomas and Mrs. Hammond—good to you?" asked Marilla. "Well," said Anne. Her face became red as she tried to think of the right words to say.

"Oh, I know they meant to be as good and kind as possible. They had a lot to worry about—so many kids and so little money." She turned her face away. "Did you ever go to school?" Marilla asked. "Not a great deal. I went a little when I went to live with Mrs. Thomas. But with the Hammonds there was too much to do with all the twins. And, of course, I went at the orphanage. I can read pretty well, though, and say lots of poems by heart. Don't you just love poetry? Doesn't it make you feel all tingly?" Anne turned back to happily watching everything they passed. Marilla realized why Anne was so excited about moving to Green Gables. She had lived such a hard life. Maybe she should think about Matthew's idea. The girl talked too much, of course, but she was nice and a hard

worker. "I think," said Anne suddenly, "if I couldn't be a girl, I'd like to be a bird. It would be lovely to be a seagull, don't you think? Then I would never be far from water."