The Platter Hunt and Its Mishap

Anne and Diana search for a replacement willow-ware platter, turning Anne's duty to make amends into a comic test of patience and honesty.

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The Broken Platter

The Broken Platter An Earlier Promise Anne Shirley has borrowed Miss Barry’s willow-ware platter and feels responsible for its safety. During the disrupted dinner visit, she leaves it on the stairs while rushing to the kitchen. A Costly Accident Davy Keith knocks a conch shell down the stairs, shattering the platter. Anne accepts responsibility for leaving it where it could be broken and resolves to replace it.

News from Spencervale

News from Spencervale A Possible Match Diana Barry learns that the Copp sisters may own a platter like the broken one. Another possible source exists in Spencervale, but the match is uncertain. A Determined Search Anne decides to go the next day, unwilling to face Miss Barry without trying to make restitution. Her sense of duty converts embarrassment into a concrete mission.

The Tory Road

The Tory Road A Difficult Journey Anne and Diana travel in heat and dust along the lonely Tory Road. Anne worries about drought and Harrison's thirsty cattle, but keeps her attention on the platter hunt. A Wrong Turn Avoided They reach the Copp homestead and find it empty. The girls consider whether they can identify the platter without entering the house or disturbing its owners.

The Duckhouse Accident

The Duckhouse Accident A Risky Inspection Diana suggests that Anne look through the pantry window from the roof of an old duckhouse. Anne sees the desired platter, hops in excitement, and crashes through the roof. Trapped but Unhurt Splinters keep Anne from pulling herself free, and the girls wait for the Copp sisters to return. A thunderstorm passes while Anne remains stuck under her parasol.

A Platter Replaced

A Platter Replaced Release and Candor Sarah Copp frees Anne with an axe and welcomes her explanation. Anne admits she looked only to identify the platter, not to pry into the pantry. The Cost of Repair Sarah agrees to sell the platter for twenty-five dollars, and Anne accepts without bargaining. The replacement resolves her obligation, while Sarah's news of a coming marriage gives the excursion a happy turn.

the day of Charlotte E. Morgan's unexpected dinner

the evening after the platter breaks

the following afternoon, en route to the Copp homestead

mid-afternoon, while the Copp sisters are away

late afternoon, after the storm