Anne of Avonlea

The Anne of Green Gables Novels #2

L. M. Montgomery

First published in 1909

Yesterday evening, I started another reread of Anne of Avonlea.  This book begins when Anne is 16 ½ and is just getting ready to teach school for the first time.  Anne has just gotten into hot water because her Jersey Cow, once again, pillaged Mr. Harrison’s oats.  Mr. Harrison is new to Avonlea and is considered quite the crank – mean, dirty, and crude. 

Anne often compounds her troubles with her impulsiveness and this time is no exception.  Soon after this incident, she comes upon the jersey cow once again causing trouble and makes the rash decision to sell it.  Only later does she realize it was Mr. Harrison’s own cow she sold instead of her own!

Dreading a visit to cranky Mr. Harrison to explain her terrible mistake, she packs a lovely cake, hoping to ease the bad news.  Surprisingly, the visit turns into tea and lively conversation with the gruff old man that Anne herself had considered “the ugliest person she had ever seen”.  Over time, Anne and Mr. Harrison become friends and kindred spirits. 

Anne has learned a valuable lesson.  Look past a person’s gruff, ugly exterior and you just might find a hidden treasure – a truly kindred spirit.

And it never hurts to bring cake when delivering bad news!