Anne's First Night

Marilla puts Anne to bed in the east gable room, a stark, bare room that depresses Anne. Anne, feeling heartbroken and unwanted, cries herself to sleep. Marilla, downstairs, discusses the situation with Matthew, who surprisingly expresses a desire to keep Anne. Marilla is firm in her intention to send her back, but Matthew's quiet persistence plants a seed of doubt. This chapter highlights the emotional vulnerability of Anne and the beginning of Matthew's quiet affection for her.