Chapter XIV. Anne’s Confession

           OntheMondayeveningbeforethepicnicMarillacamedownfromherroomwithatroubledface.

           “Anne,”shesaidtothatsmallpersonage,whowasshellingpeasbythespotlesstableandsinging,“NellyoftheHazelDell”withavigorandexpressionthatdidcredittoDiana’steaching,“didyouseeanythingofmyamethystbrooch?IthoughtIstuckitinmypincushionwhenIcamehomefromchurchyesterdayevening,butIcan’tfinditanywhere.”

           “I—IsawitthisafternoonwhenyouwereawayattheAidSociety,”saidAnne,alittleslowly.“IwaspassingyourdoorwhenIsawitonthecushion,soIwentintolookatit.”

           “Didyoutouchit?”saidMarillasternly.

           “Y-e-e-s,”admittedAnne,“ItookitupandIpinneditonmybreastjusttoseehowitwouldlook.”

           “Youhadnobusinesstodoanythingofthesort.It’sverywronginalittlegirltomeddle.Youshouldn’thavegoneintomyroominthefirstplaceandyoushouldn’thavetouchedabroochthatdidn’tbelongtoyouinthesecond.Wheredidyouputit?”

           “Oh,Iputitbackonthebureau.Ihadn’titonaminute.Truly,Ididn’tmeantomeddle,Marilla.Ididn’tthinkaboutitsbeingwrongtogoinandtryonthebrooch;butIseenowthatitwasandI’llneverdoitagain.That’sonegoodthingaboutme.Ineverdothesamenaughtythingtwice.”

           “Youdidn’tputitback,”saidMarilla.“Thatbroochisn’tanywhereonthebureau.You’vetakenitoutorsomething,Anne.”

           “Ididputitback,”saidAnnequickly—pertly,Marillathought.