The Gardners’ Call

           “HereisaletterwithanIndianstampforyou,AuntJimsie,”saidPhil.“HerearethreeforStella,andtwoforPris,andagloriousfatoneformefromJo.There’snothingforyou,Anne,exceptacircular.”

           NobodynoticedAnne’sflushasshetookthethinletterPhiltossedhercarelessly.ButafewminuteslaterPhillookeduptoseeatransfiguredAnne.

           “Honey,whatgoodthinghashappened?”

           “TheYouth’sFriendhasacceptedalittlesketchIsentthemafortnightago,”saidAnne,tryinghardtospeakasifshewereaccustomedtohavingsketchesacceptedeverymail,butnotquitesucceeding.

           “AnneShirley!Howglorious!Whatwasit?Whenisittobepublished?Didtheypayyouforit?”

           “Yes;they’vesentacheckfortendollars,andtheeditorwritesthathewouldliketoseemoreofmywork.Dearman,heshall.ItwasanoldsketchIfoundinmybox.Ire-wroteitandsentitin—butIneverreallythoughtitcouldbeacceptedbecauseithadnoplot,”saidAnne,recallingthebitterexperienceofAveril’sAtonement.

           “Whatareyougoingtodowiththattendollars,Anne?Let’sallgouptownandgetdrunk,”suggestedPhil.

           “IAMgoingtosquanderitinawildsoullessrevelofsomesort,”declaredAnnegaily.“Atalleventsitisn’ttaintedmoney—likethecheckIgotforthathorribleReliableBakingPowderstory.IspentITusefullyforclothesandhatedthemeverytimeIputthemon.”

           “ThinkofhavingarealliveauthoratPatty’sPlace,”saidPriscilla.

           “It’sagreatresponsibility,”saidAuntJamesinasolemnly.