Gilbert's mother, who was a gay, frank, light-hearted lady, but not overburdened with tact, had a very embarrassing habit of asking Anne, always in a painfully distinct voice and always in the presence of a crowd, if she had heard from Gilbert lately.

Poor Anne could only blush horribly and murmur, "not very lately," which was taken by all, Mrs.Blythe included, to be merely a maidenly evasion.
Apart from this, Anne enjoyed her summer.

Priscilla came for a merry visit in June; and, when she had gone, Mr.and Mrs.Irving, Paul and Charlotta the Fourth came "home" for July and August.
Echo Lodge was the scene of gaieties once more, and the echoes over the river were kept busy mimicking the laughter that rang in the old garden behind the spruces.
"Miss Lavendar" had not changed, except to grow even sweeter and prettier.

Paul adored her, and the companionship between them was beautiful to see.
"But I don't call her 'mother' just by itself," he explained to Anne.
"You see, THAT name belongs just to my own little mother, and I can't give it to any one else.

You know, teacher.