
a midsummer afternoon
The Elaine Incident
Anne and her friends decide to reenact Tennyson's 'The Lady of Shalott.' Anne plays Elaine and floats down the pond in a flat boat. The boat springs a leak and sinks, leaving Anne clinging to a bridge pile. She is rescued by Gilbert Blythe, who rows by in a dory. Gilbert again tries to make peace, but Anne, still proud, refuses. This event is a turning point in their relationship, as Anne begins to feel regret.