"Whatever possessed you to get so much?
You know I never use it except for the hired man's porridge or black fruit cake.

Jerry's gone and I've made my cake long ago.

It's not good sugar, either--it's coarse and dark--William Blair doesn't usually keep sugar like that." "I--I thought it might come in handy sometime," said Matthew, making good his escape.
When Matthew came to think the matter over he decided that a woman was required to cope with the situation.

Marilla was out of the question.
Matthew felt sure she would throw cold water on his project at once.
Remained only Mrs.Lynde; for of no other woman in Avonlea would Matthew have dared to ask advice.

To Mrs.Lynde he went accordingly, and that good lady promptly took the matter out of the harassed man's hands.
"Pick out a dress for you to give Anne?
To be sure I will.