Marilla's Disappointment

When Matthew and Anne arrive at Green Gables, Marilla is shocked to see a girl instead of the expected boy. Anne, realizing she is not wanted, bursts into tears, expressing her despair at being unwanted yet again. Marilla, though stern, is moved by the child's distress and agrees to let her stay the night. She decides to investigate the mistake with Mrs. Spencer the next day. This scene establishes the central conflict of the novel: whether Anne will be allowed to stay at Green Gables.