Gilbert went back to his room. Now that Anne seemed to be more comfortable around him he wondered what the school day would bring on the morrow. The way he saw it, if how she acted in the kitchen translated over to school he might be able to walk with her. He might have to hide behind a few bushes, but that was better than nothing. If she would only be lukewarm around him at home then there was also a chance she'd walk with Ruby or Jane and ignore him.

He liked the idea of the former rather than the latter. It was more probable than her walking out in the open with him. Even if he desperately wanted to walk in the open with her. He would take what he could get.

Nothing was set in stone, though. Everything had a chance of happening just as much as not.

"It is getting late." He mumbled looking out the window. Putting aside his thoughts the best he could, he went to sleep.

Early the next morning Anne went down to the kitchen."Good morning." She yawned.

"Why are you up so early, Anne?" John asked with a laugh.

"Matthew always wakes up just before sunrise. I get up just to sit and talk to him, but since Matthew left before Marilla to the States I have been talking to her." Anne said with a smile.

"There is no Marilla to talk to." Mr. Blythe said softly.

"I thought maybe I could talk to you or Mrs. Blythe, but if neither of you had time or were not awake I thought I'd get my school things ready and go for a walk."

"I'm not sure what I'd talk to you about."

""Oh finding something to talk about is easy. Like... Are you going to the fields or your orchard this morning?"

"The orchard." John replied simply.

"The orchard. Now, what are you going to do at the orchard?"

"Pick apples to bring to town with the rest of the crops and sell...?" One would think that was an obvious answer.

"Are you sure? You don't sound very confident."

"Yes."

"See, we just had a conversation. A very stilted one, but if we keep working maybe you'll be the best conversationalist I know." Anne said happily.

"Who is the best listener?" Mr. Blythe asked.

"Why, Matthew of course. He is a very attentive listener. He may not say much, but I know he understands. I have to get my things, but then I'll be out of your hair."

"Not so fast, Anne. Just where are you going exactly?"

"Since Diana is away and I've taken care of Milly, I'm going to The Lake of Shining Waters and then to school by myself." Anne went toward the stairs.

"Where ever that is, Gilbert could go with you." Mr. Blythe didn't want Anne walking out alone.

"That's very kind, but there is no need to bother Gilbert. Besides, I've walked alone to school and Barry's Pond," She said the name with a roll of her eyes, "many times."

"You are not leaving by yourself young lady." Someone had to watch out for the girl and Marilla had trusted him, so he would do what he could.

"Must I have him tagging along?"

"Yes."

Anne visibly deflated. "Alright." She went to her room and gathered her things, stopping outside Gilbert's room to inform him of his father's decision.

"Your father doesn't want me out of the house without someone with me. Would you mind heading to the Lake and then going to school right now?"

Gilbert beamed at her from his desk. "Not at all."