Miss Josephine Barry's death and bequest reach Anne Shirley together: a letter announces that Josephine has died and that her will leaves Anne one thousand dollars. The news turns a quiet reading into a moment of grief and gratitude, making the legacy not merely a sum of money but the last expression of a kindness Anne says continued to the end.

The Letter and the News

Among the mail, Anne leaves a thin, typewritten communication until last, assuming it is unimportant. After reading it, she sits very still, tears in her eyes. When Marilla Cuthbert asks what is wrong, Anne tells her in a low voice that Miss Josephine Barry is dead. The letter's understated appearance contrasts with the weight of what it contains: news of a death followed by the disclosure of a personal legacy.

Illness and a Lasting Kindness

Marilla responds that Josephine had been sick for over a year and that the family had expected to hear of her death at any time. She regards Josephine's death as a release from dreadful suffering and recalls that Josephine had always been kind to Anne. Anne adds that this kindness lasted until the end, connecting the legacy to a relationship of care rather than presenting it as an unexplained gift.

The Bequest and Its Reception

Anne explains that the communication came from Josephine's lawyer and that the will leaves her one thousand dollars. Davy Keith reacts with astonishment at the amount and recalls the story of Anne and Diana Barry jumping into the spare-room bed where they encountered Josephine. He wonders whether that incident explains the legacy; the exchange records his childlike attempt to connect the inheritance to a memorable episode, not an established reason for Josephine's decision. Anne gently hushes him rather than answering the speculation.

Aftermath

With her heart full, Anne slips away to the porch gable, leaving Marilla and Rachel Lynde to discuss the news. Her withdrawal gives the scene a quiet ending: the others can talk over the practical surprise of the money, while Anne's response remains centered on the woman who had been kind to her. The event thus holds death and gratitude in the same moment, with the will making Josephine's affection newly tangible after her death.