Bedtime Chapter Book: Anne Of Green Gables | Ch. 19

Welcome, and I’m glad you’re here.

Tonight’s session continues our calm chapter book reading of the classic Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. I’ll be narrating Chapter 19, spending more time with Anne Shirley as her story unfolds in the gentle, familiar setting of Prince Edward Island.

This soothing bedtime audiobook narration is created to help you unwind, quiet the mind, and ease into rest, whether you’re listening as part of your nighttime routine or simply seeking a moment of calm. Please note, as this practice may cause drowsiness, it is recommended not to listen while driving or operating heavy machinery.

Settle in, allow your body to relax, and let the steady rhythm of the story carry you along, with no need to stay awake or follow every detail.

Sweet dreams, Joanne.

Music in this episode is by Golden Peas, via Epidemic Sound.

Transcript

Welcome to Drift Off Bedtime Stories. I'm your host Joanne and I'm so glad you've joined me. Tonight we begin a new journey together as we dive into the timeless classic Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Before we begin. Let's take a moment to relax and settle in. Find a comfortable position Gently close your eyes. And take a deep breath in. And slowly exhale. Feel your body beginning to unwind as you let go of any tension. Imagine yourself in a peaceful cozy space ready to drift off into a world of imagination and rest. And so my friend. Let's step into the enchanting world now of Anne of Green Gables. Chapter 19 A Concert, A Catastrophe, And a Confession Marilla? Can I go over to see Diana for a minute? " asked Anne, Running breathlessly downstairs one February evening. I don't see why you need to be out after dark, " said Marilla shortly. You and Diana walked home from school together. And then stood outside in the snow talking for a half an hour more. So I don't think you're desperate to see her again. But she wants to see me, Pleaded Anne. She has something very important to tell me. How do you know? Because she just signaled to me from her window. We have a way to signal with candles and cardboard. We set the candle on the window sill and make flashes by passing the cardboard back and forth. Each number of flashes means something different. It was my idea, Marilla. " I bet, " said Marilla. And the next thing, You'll be setting the curtains on fire with your signaling nonsense. Oh, We're very careful, Mirella. It's so interesting. Two flashes mean, Are you there? Three mean yes, And four mean no. Five flashes mean, Come over as soon as possible, Because I have something important to tell you. Diana just signaled five flashes, And I'm dying to know what it is. Well, You don't have to suffer any longer, " said Marilla sarcastically. You can go, But be back here in ten minutes. Remember that. Anne did remember, And returned on time, Though it was hard for her to keep the conversation with Diana within 10 minutes, But she made good use of the time. Oh, Marilla, Guess what? Tomorrow is Diana's birthday, And her mother said I could go home with her after school and stay all night. Her cousins are coming from Newbridge in a big sleigh to take us to the debating club concert at the hall tomorrow night. They'll take Diana and me if you'll let me go. Please, Marilla, Can I go? I'm so excited. You can calm down because you're not going. You're better off at home in your own bed. Little girls shouldn't be out at such events. I'm sure the debating club is respectable, Pleaded Anne. I'm not saying it isn't. But you're not going to start going to concerts and staying out late at night. I'm surprised Mrs. Barry is letting Diana go. But it's a special occasion, " Anne said, Nearly in tears. Diana has only one birthday a year. It's not like birthdays are common. Prissy Andrews is going to recite. Curfew must not ring tonight. That's a good moral piece, Marilla. It would do me good to hear it. And the choir is going to sing four beautiful songs, Almost as good as hymns. And Marilla, The minister is going to give an address that's almost like a sermon. Please, Can I go? You heard what I said, Anne. Take off your boots and go to bed. It's past eight. "'There's one more thing, Marilla, " said Anne, Hoping for a last chance. Mrs. Barry said, Diane and I could sleep in the spare room bed. Think of the honor of your little Anne being put in the spare room bed. It's an honor you'll have to miss. Go to bed, Anne, And don't say another word. When Anne, With tears in her eyes, Had gone sorrowfully upstairs, Matthew, Who seemed to have been sleeping on the lounge, Opened his eyes and said firmly, Well now, Marilla, I think you ought to let Anne go. I don't think so, " replied Marilla. Who's bringing up this child, Matthew? You or me? Well, Now you admitted Matthew. Then don't interfere. I'm not interfering. It's not interfering to have an opinion. And my opinion is that you should let Anne go. You think I should let Anne go to the moon if she wanted to, I bet, " Marilla replied. I might have let her spend the night with Diana, But I don't approve of this concert plan. She might catch a cold or get too excited. It would unsettle her for a week. I understand what's good for her better than you do, Matthew. I still think you should let Anne go, " repeated Matthew firmly. He wasn't good at arguing, But he was good at sticking to his opinion. Marilla sighed and remained silent. The next morning, As Anne was washing breakfast dishes, Matthew paused on his way to the barn to say to Marilla again. I think you should let Anne go, Marilla. Marilla gave him a frustrated look, But finally said, Fine, She can go, Since nothing else will make you happy. Ann rushed out of the pantry, Still holding a wet dishcloth. Oh, Marilla, Marilla, Say those wonderful words again. Once is enough. This is Matthew's doing, And I wash my hands of it. If you catch pneumonia sleeping in a strange bed, Or get sick coming out of a hot hole, Don't blame me, Blame Matthew. And Shirley, You're dripping water all over the floor. I never saw such a careless child. I know I'm a big trial to you, Marilla, " said Anne apologetically. I make so many mistakes. But think of all the mistakes I don't make. I'll clean up the floor before I go to school. Oh, Marilla, My heart was set on going to that concert. I've never been to a concert, And when the other girls talk about them, I feel left out. You didn't know how I felt, But Matthew did. Matthew understands me, And it's nice to be understood. Anne was too excited to focus on her lessons that morning. Gilbert Blythe beat her in a spelling competition in mental arithmetic. And was less upset than usual because of the concert and the spare room bed. She and Diana talked about it all day, And with a stricter teacher than Mr. Phillips, They might have gotten into trouble. The real excitement began when school was dismissed and continued to build until the concert itself. They had a lovely tea, Then dressed up in Diana's room. Diana styled Anne's hair in a new pompadour fashion, And Anne tied Diana's bows. They tried different ways of arranging their back hair before they were ready, With cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. Anne felt a little pain when she compared her plain black hat and homemade grey coat to Diana's stylish fur cap and jacket. But she remembered she had an imagination and could use it. Diana's cousins, The Murrays from Newbridge, Arrived. They all piled into the big sleigh, Surrounded by straw and fur robes. Anne enjoyed the ride to the hall, Gliding over the smooth roads with snow crunching under the runners. The sunset was magnificent, And the snowy hills and deep blue water of the St. Lawrence Gulf looked like a huge bowl of pearl and sapphire filled with wine and fire. Sleigh bells and distant laughter added to the magical atmosphere. Oh, Diana, Whispered Anne, Squeezing Diana's mittened hand. Isn't it all like a beautiful dream? Do I look the same as usual? I feel so different that it must show. You look lovely, " said Diana, Who had just received a compliment from one of her cousins and felt she should pass it on. You have the prettiest color. The program was thrilling for Anne. When Prissy Andrews, In a new pink silk blouse with a string of pearls and real carnations in her hair, Rumored to have been sent by the teacher from town, Recited a dramatic poem, Anne shivered in sympathy. When the choir sang far above the gentle daisies and gazed at the ceiling as if it were painted with angels. When Sam Sloan told a funny story and laughed so hard that others around her laughed too just from watching her. And, When Mr. Phillips gave a stirring recitation of Mark Antony's speech over Caesar's body, Looking at Percy Andrews with each line, And felt ready to join a mutiny. The only part of the program that didn't interest her was when Gilbert Blythe recited Benjamin on the Rhine. Ann picked up Rhoda Murray's library book and read it until he finished. She sat stiffly while Diana clapped her hands enthusiastically. It was 11 o'clock when they got home, Still buzzing with excitement and eager to talk about the evening. The house was dark and quiet. Anne and Diana tiptoed into the parlor, A long, Narrow room next to the spare room. It was warm and dimly lit by the fire's embers. Let's undress here, " said Diana. It's so warm. Hasn't it been a wonderful time? " sighed Anne happily. It must be amazing to recite on stage. Do you think we'll ever get to do it, Diana? Yes, Of course. They always want the older students to recite. Gilbert Blythe does often, And he's only two years older than us. Oh Anne, How could you pretend not to listen to him? When he said, There's another, Not a sister, He looked right at you. Diana, Said Anne with dignity, You're my best friend, But I can't let you talk to me about that person. Are you ready for bed? Let's race to see who gets to bed first. Diana liked the idea. The two little girls dressed in their nightgowns ran down the long room and jumped onto the bed at the same time. Then, Something moved beneath them. There was a gasp and a cry, And someone said in a muffled voice, Merciful goodness! Anne and Diana never knew how they got off the bed and out of the room. They only remembered running and then tiptoeing up the stairs, Shivering. Oh, Who was it? What was it? " whispered Anne, Her teeth chattering. It was Aunt Josephine, Said Diana, Gasping with laughter. Oh Anne, It was Aunt Josephine. She's here for a visit. Oh, She's gonna be so angry. It's dreadful. But did you ever know anything so funny? Who's your Aunt Josephine? She's my father's aunt. She lives in Charlottetown. She's very old, 70 at least, And I don't think she was ever a little girl. We were expecting her to visit, But not so soon. She's very proper, And she'll be furious. We'll have to sleep with Minnie Mae, And she kicks a lot. Miss Josephine Barry did not appear at breakfast the next morning. Mrs. Barry smiled kindly at the two little girls. Did you have a good time last night? I tried to stay awake to tell you Aunt Josephine had arrived, And that you'd have to sleep upstairs, But I fell asleep. I hope you didn't disturb your Aunt Diana. Diana stayed quiet, But she and Anne exchanged guilty smiles across the table. Anne hurried home after breakfast, And didn't hear about the disturbance until that day when she went to Mrs. Lynn's on an errand for Marilla. So you and Diana nearly scared poor old Miss Barry to death last night, " said Mrs. Lynde sternly but with a twinkle in her eye. Mrs. Barry was here on her way to Carmody. She's worried about it. Old Miss Barry was in a terrible mood this morning, And Josephine Barry's temper is no joke, I can tell you. She wouldn't speak to Diana at all. It wasn't Diana's fault, Said Anne apologetically. It was mine. I suggested racing to the bed. I knew it, " said Mrs. Linde, Pleased with her guess. I knew that idea came from you. Well, It caused a lot of trouble. Old Miss Barry was supposed to stay for a month. But now she says she's leaving tomorrow. She would have gone today if she could. She had promised to pay for a quarter's music lessons for Diana. But now she won't do anything for such a tomboy. Oh, I'm sure there was a lively scene at the Barry's this morning. They must feel upset. Old Miss Barry is rich, And they want to stay on her good side. Mrs. Barry didn't say that exactly, But I'm good at reading people. I'm so unlucky, " mourned Anne. I always get into trouble and drag my best friends, People I would do anything for, Into it. Can you tell me why, Mrs. Lynde? It's because you're too thoughtless and impulsive, Child. You never stop to think. You just do or say whatever comes to your mind without a moment's reflection. Oh, But that's the best part, Protested Anne. Something exciting comes into your head, And you have to say it. If you stop to think, It spoils everything. Haven't you ever felt that, Mrs. Lind? Mrs. Lynde shook her head. You need to learn to think a little, Anne. The proverb you should follow is, Look before you leap, Especially in spare room beds. Mrs. Lynde laughed at her own joke, But Anne remained thoughtful. She didn't find the situation funny at all. After leaving Mrs. Lins, She walked across the fields to Orchard Slope. Diana, Matter at the kitchen door. Was your Aunt Josephine very angry? " whispered Anne. Yes, Answered Anne, Stifling a giggle, And glancing nervously at the sitting-room door. She was furious, Anne. Oh, She scolded us. She said I was the worst-behaved girl she ever saw, And that my parents should be ashamed of how they raised me. She says she's leaving, And I don't care. But father and mother do. Why didn't you tell them it was my fault? " demanded Anne. As if I'd do that, " said Diana indignantly. And I was just as much to blame as you. Well, I'm going to tell her myself, Said Anne resolutely. Diana stared. And surely you wouldn't. She'll eat you alive. Don't scare me more than I already am, Begged Anne. I'd rather walk up to the cannon's mouth, But I have to do it, Diana. It was my fault, And I have to confess. Luckily, I have experience in confessing. She's in the room, Said Diana. You can go in if you want, But I wouldn't dare. And I don't think it will do you any good. With this, Anne gathered her courage and knocked on the sitting-room door. A sharp come-in followed. Miss Josephine Berry, Thin and stern, Was knitting fiercely by the fire, Still angry. She turned around, Expecting to see Diana, And instead saw Anne, Who looked scared but determined. Are you? " demanded Miss Barry. I'm Anne of Green Gables, Said Anne, Tremulously, Clasping her hands as she often did, And I've come to confess, If you please. Confess what? It was my fault that we jumped on the bed last night. I suggested it. Diana would never have thought of such a thing. Diana is a very ladylike girl, Miss Barry. So it's unfair to blame her. Or is it? I think Diana did her share of the jumping. Such behavior in a respectable house. But we were only having fun, Insisted Anne. I think you should forgive us, Miss Barry, Since we've apologized. Please forgive Diana and let her have her music lessons. Diana's heart is set on them. And I know what it's like to want something badly and not get it. If you must be angry, Be angry with me. I'm used to people being cross with me, So I can handle it better than Diana. By now, Much of the anger had left Miss Barry's eyes, Replaced by a twinkle of amusement. But she still said sternly, Being only in fun is no excuse. Little girls never acted like that in my day. You can't imagine what it's like to be woken up from a sound sleep by two big girls jumping on you. I can't imagine, But I can understand, " said Anne eagerly. It must have been very disturbing. But think of our side too. We didn't know anyone was in the bed, And you scared us. It was awful how we felt. And then we couldn't sleep in the spare room after being promised. You must be used to spare rooms. But imagine what it's like for a little orphan girl who's never had that honor. All the anger had gone by this time. Miss Barry actually laughed, A sound that made Diana gasp in relief in the kitchen. My imagination is a little rusty. It's been so long since I used it, She said. Maybe your need for sympathy is as great as mine. It all depends on how you look at it. Sit down and tell me about yourself. I'm very sorry I can't, " said Anne firmly. I'd like to, Because you seem interesting and might even be a kindred spirit, Though you don't look it. But I have to go home to Miss Marilla Cuthbert. Miss Marilla Cuthbert is very kind and is trying to raise me properly. She's doing her best, But it's not easy. You mustn't blame her because I jumped on the bed. But before I go. . . I do wish you'd forgive Diana, And stay as long as you planned in Avonlea. I think I will if you come and talk to me sometime, " said Miss Barry. That evening, Ms. Barry gave Diana a silver bracelet and told the rest of the household that she had unpacked her bags. I've decided to stay, Just to get to know that Ann girl better, " she said frankly. She amuses me. And at my age, Finding an amusing person is rare. Marilla's only comment when she heard the story was, I told you so. This was directed at Matthew. Miss Barry stayed her month and more. She was a more pleasant guest than usual, Thanks to Anne keeping her entertained. They became good friends. When Miss Barry left, She said, Remember Anne girl, When you come to town, You're to visit me and I'll put you in my very best spare room bed. Miss Barry was a kindred spirit after all and confided to Marilla. You wouldn't think so at first, But she is. You don't find out right away like with Matthew, But eventually you see it. Kindred spirits aren't as rare as I used to think. It's wonderful to discover there are so many in the world. Sweet dreams my friends Sleep well. You you you.