The Blythes had taken her to please Rilla who was fathoms deep in love with her teacher and was even willing to share her room, since no other was available.

Gertrude Oliver was twenty-eight and life had been a struggle for her.

She was a striking-looking girl, with rather sad, almond-shaped brown eyes, a clever, rather mocking mouth, and enormous masses of black hair twisted about her head.

She was not pretty but there was a certain charm of interest and mystery in her face, and Rilla found her fascinating.

Even her occasional moods of gloom and cynicism had allurement for Rilla.
These moods came only when Miss Oliver was tired.