"Oh, they MEANT to be--I know they meant to be just as good and kind as possible.

And when people mean to be good to you, you don't mind very much when they're not quite--always.

They had a good deal to worry them, you know.

It's very trying to have a drunken husband, you see; and it must be very trying to have twins three times in succession, don't you think?
But I feel sure they meant to be good to me." Marilla asked no more questions.

Anne gave herself up to a silent rapture over the shore road and Marilla guided the sorrel abstractedly while she pondered deeply.