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The Return of Stephen Irving

Anne of Avonlea

Stephen's return reunites him with Paul and then with Lavendar, resolving two forms of separation through family affection and an old love rekindled.

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A Father RememberedA Father Remembered from "Anne of Avonlea". A Father Remembered A Distant Bond Paul Irving speaks lovingly of his father, who lives away and is often occupied with business.
A Father Remembered A Distant Bond Paul Irving speaks lovingly of his father, who lives away and is often occupied with business. His letters keep Stephen present in the child's thoughts. A Mother's Absence Paul also remembers his dead mother and hopes eventually to return to his father. His desire for family reunion gives emotional weight to an otherwise ordinary school life.
The Birthday PortraitThe Birthday Portrait from "Anne of Avonlea". The Birthday Portrait A Gift from Boston Stephen sends Paul a portrait of his mother for his birthday.
The Birthday Portrait A Gift from Boston Stephen sends Paul a portrait of his mother for his birthday. Paul has been anticipating a mysterious gift and is deeply moved when he sees her face. Memory Made Present The portrait allows Paul to feel his mother beside him at bedtime. Stephen's thoughtful choice shows that, despite distance, he understands what his son needs.
The Unexpected VisitThe Unexpected Visit from "Anne of Avonlea". The Unexpected Visit A Long-Awaited Reunion Stephen arrives without warning, and Paul rushes to welcome him.
The Unexpected Visit A Long-Awaited Reunion Stephen arrives without warning, and Paul rushes to welcome him. The boy's excitement confirms that years apart have not weakened their affection. Gratitude to Anne Stephen thanks Anne for understanding Paul's imaginative temperament. Their conversation recognizes her role in helping Paul grow while his father was absent.
A Request to Visit Echo LodgeA Request to Visit Echo Lodge from "Anne of Avonlea". A Request to Visit Echo Lodge An Old Name Returned Stephen asks Anne whether she knows Lavendar Lewis and whether he may visit her.
A Request to Visit Echo Lodge An Old Name Returned Stephen asks Anne whether she knows Lavendar Lewis and whether he may visit her. Anne understands that their history is more than an ordinary friendship. A Door Reopened Anne carries the request to Echo Lodge, where Lavendar guesses the news before she hears it. Her permission sets the old relationship in motion again.
A Family ReunitedA Family Reunited from "Anne of Avonlea". A Family Reunited A Garden Wedding Stephen and Lavendar marry at Echo Lodge, surrounded by a few close friends and family.
A Family Reunited A Garden Wedding Stephen and Lavendar marry at Echo Lodge, surrounded by a few close friends and family. The past that separated them no longer prevents a shared future. Paul's New Home Paul will live with Stephen and Lavendar, gaining a stepmother who understands him. The reunion repairs the father's separation from his son while giving Lavendar the family she had missed.
the first school year, during Paul's letters
early summer, near Paul's eleventh birthday
early in Anne's summer vacation
the morning after Stephen reaches Avonlea
the final week of August