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XXVIII. The Prince Comes Back to the Enchanted Palace
Theywere,perhaps,allunconsciousofhavinglearnedsuchlessons;buttheywouldrememberandpracticethemlongaftertheyhadforgottenthecapitalofAfghanistanandthedatesoftheWarsoftheRoses.
“Anotherchapterinmylifeisclosed,”saidAnnealoud,asshelockedherdesk.Shereallyfeltverysadoverit;buttheromanceintheideaofthat“closedchapter”didcomfortheralittle.
AnnespentafortnightatEchoLodgeearlyinhervacationandeverybodyconcernedhadagoodtime.
ShetookMissLavendaronashoppingexpeditiontotownandpersuadedhertobuyaneworgandydress;thencametheexcitementofcuttingandmakingittogether,whilethehappyCharlottatheFourthbastedandsweptupclippings.MissLavendarhadcomplainedthatshecouldnotfeelmuchinterestinanything,butthesparklecamebacktohereyesoverherprettydress.
“Whatafoolish,frivolouspersonImustbe,”shesighed.“I’mwholesomelyashamedtothinkthatanewdress...evenitisaforget-me-notorgandy...shouldexhilaratemeso,whenagoodconscienceandanextracontributiontoForeignMissionscouldn’tdoit.”
MidwayinhervisitAnnewenthometoGreenGablesforadaytomendthetwins’stockingsandsettleupDavy’saccumulatedstoreofquestions.IntheeveningshewentdowntotheshoreroadtoseePaulIrving.Asshepassedbythelow,squarewindowoftheIrvingsittingroomshecaughtaglimpseofPaulonsomebody’slap;butthenextmomenthecameflyingthroughthehall.
“Oh,MissShirley,”hecriedexcitedly,“youcan’tthinkwhathashappened!Somethingsosplendid.
