Pity was suddenly stirring in her heart for the child.

What a starved, unloved life she had had--a life of drudgery and poverty and neglect; for Marilla was shrewd enough to read between the lines of Anne's history and divine the truth.

No wonder she had been so delighted at the prospect of a real home.

It was a pity she had to be sent back.

What if she, Marilla, should indulge Matthew's unaccountable whim and let her stay?
He was set on it; and the child seemed a nice, teachable little thing.
"She's got too much to say," thought Marilla, "but she might be trained out of that.