Аня из Авонлеи
V. A Full-fledged Schoolma’am
AnnekeptAnthonyinatrecessandtalkedtohimaboutwhatwasexpectedofgentlemen,admonishinghimthattheyneverpouredwaterdownladies’necks.Shewantedallherboystobegentlemen,shesaid.Herlittlelecturewasquitekindandtouching;butunfortunatelyAnthonyremainedabsolutelyuntouched.Helistenedtoherinsilence,withthesamesullenexpression,andwhistledscornfullyashewentout.Annesighed;andthencheeredherselfupbyrememberingthatwinningaPye’saffections,likethebuildingofRome,wasn’ttheworkofaday.Infact,itwasdoubtfulwhethersomeofthePyeshadanyaffectionstowin;butAnnehopedbetterthingsofAnthony,wholookedasifhemightbearatherniceboyifoneevergotbehindhissullenness.
WhenschoolwasdismissedandthechildrenhadgoneAnnedroppedwearilyintoherchair.Herheadachedandshefeltwoefullydiscouraged.Therewasnorealreasonfordiscouragement,sincenothingverydreadfulhadoccurred;butAnnewasverytiredandinclinedtobelievethatshewouldneverlearntoliketeaching.Andhowterribleitwouldbetobedoingsomethingyoudidn’tlikeeverydayfor...well,sayfortyyears.Annewasoftwomindswhethertohavehercryoutthenandthere,orwaittillshewassafelyinherownwhiteroomathome.Beforeshecoulddecidetherewasaclickofheelsandasilkenswishontheporchfloor,andAnnefoundherselfconfrontedbyaladywhoseappearancemadeherrecallarecentcriticismofMr.Harrison’sonanoverdressedfemalehehadseeninaCharlottetownstore.
