we've
consulted with Stella; but I don't think she'll object, and, as far as
we are concerned, you may come and glad welcome."

"If you get tired of our simple life you can leave us, and no questions
asked," added Priscilla.

Phil sprang up, hugged them both jubilantly, and went on her way
rejoicing.

"I hope things will go right," said Priscilla soberly.

"We must MAKE them go right," avowed Anne. "I think Phil will fit into
our 'appy little 'ome very well."

"Oh, Phil's a dear to rattle round with and be chums. And, of course,
the more there are of us the easier it will be on our slim purses. But
how will she be to live with? You have to summer and winter with any one
before you know if she's LIVABLE or not."

"Oh, well, we'll all be put to the test, as far as that goes. And
we must quit us like sensible folk, living and let live. Phil isn't
selfish, though she's a little thoughtless, and I believe we will all
get on beautifully in Patty's Place."

Chapter XI

The Round of Life

Anne was back in Avonlea with the luster of the Thorburn Scholarship
on her brow. People told her she hadn't changed much, in a tone which
hinted they were surprised and a little disappointed she hadn't. Avonlea
had not changed, either. At least, so it seemed at first. But as Anne
sat in the Green Gables pew, on the first Sunday after her return, and
looked over the congregation, she saw several little changes which, all
coming home to her at once, made her realize that time did not quite
stand still, even in Avonlea. A new minister was in the pulpit. In the
pews more than one familiar face was missing forever. Old "Uncle Abe,"
his prophesying over and done with, Mrs. Peter Sloane, who had sighed,
it was to be hoped, for the last time, Timothy Cotton, who, as Mrs.
Rachel Lynde said "had actually managed to die at last after practicing
at it for twenty years," and old Josiah Sloane, whom nobody knew in his
coffin because he had his whiskers neatly trimmed, were all sleeping in
the little graveyard behind the church. And Billy Andrews was married
to Nettie Blewett! They "appeared out" that Sunday. When Billy, beaming
with pride and happiness, showed his be-plumed and be-silked bride into
the Harmon Andrews' pew, Anne dropped her lids to hide her dancing eyes.
She recalled the stormy winter night of the Christmas holidays when Jane
had proposed for Billy. He certainly had not broken his heart over his
rejection. Anne wondered