Warning: If you have a visual impairment, use the manuscript transcript version including the Lucy Maud Montgomery’s foot notes and contextual annotation references.

Chapter 18

306
well, Matthew.”

“Well now, I dunno‘s as I comprehend them all myself,” acknowledged Matthew.

“Well, I suppose I must finish up my lessons. I won’t allow myself to open that new book Jane lent me until I’m through. (begin superscript)E10(end superscript) But and then shall I run down the cellar and get some russets, Matthew? Wouldn’t you like some russets?”

“Well now, I dunno duno dunno but what I would,” said Matthew, who never ate russets but knew Anne’s weakness for them.

Just as Anne emerged triumphantly from the cellar with her plateful of russets came the sound of flying footsteps on the icy board walk outside and the next moment the kitchen door

 

LMM Notes

LMM Note E10
But it’s a terrible temptation, Matthew. Even when I turn my back on it I can see it there just as plain. Jane said she cried herself sick over it. I love a book that makes me cry. But I think I’ll carry that book into the sitting room and lock it in the jam closet and give you the key. And you must not give it to me, Matthew, until my lessons are done, not even if I implore you on my bended knees. It’s all very well to say resist temptation but it’s ever so much easier to resist it if you can’t get the key[.]



TEXT ANNOTATION

"russets": an eating apple with greenish-bronze, matte skin and yellow flesh.

TEXT ANNOTATION

"icy board walk": It was common practice to put down planks across muddy or icy patches in paths in yards even though the boards themselves could also become icy.