Anne woke to sunlight streaming through the open window. Birds chirped and wind whistled gently through the trees. The sky was bright and blue. This was a happy day, and Anne didn't know what to think. Anne sat up in bed and saw all the other little girls were dressed and washing their faces and hands. Their beds were made neatly and their hair combed and plaited. Anne simply left her bedclothes in a heap, and did not bother to change her crumpled frock. She walked over to the wash basin and stared into the now grimy water. Her face was pale and her eyes still red and puffy. She washed her face and combed her hair, but left it in wild curls around her face. The other little girls now stood in line, so Anne joined them. Suddenly, the door into the room flew open and in trod a stern looking old woman. The woman had very sharp, narrow features including a pointed nose and high cheekbones. She began to inspect all the little girls. "Your nails have dirt underneath them! Go clean them properly this instant! Good, good, good, Your plait has knots Edith! Good, good, Arina your dress is crumpled! Fold it neatly in your chest and that will not happen! Good, Oh my heavens!" the woman had come to Anne, "Your hair has not been plaited, your dress looks like you slept in it, and your face has dirt smudged everywhere!" she exclaimed. The girls tittered. "Silence!" the girls sobered immediately. "You come with me, the rest of you go on down to breakfast." Anne followed although her manner was of complete indifference. The woman led her into a small room, grabbed a rag and began to wipe the dirt and tears from her face. Then her dirty frock was lifted over her head and a fresh one pulled down. Her hair was re-brushed and plaited. "My name is Miss Jacobs, what is yours?" questioned the woman when she was finished her tone softer than before."Anne Shirley, Anne spelt with an "e"
"Well Anne, this will not be a regular occurrence. I would like to make that clear," Miss Jacobs admonished somewhat sternly. "Yes mam," Anne replied respectfully."Good, please follow me into the dining room," Anne was led into a large room with two rows of tables and benches. The room was alive with chatter and the clang of silverware on plates. "Go on, take a seat," Miss Jacobs gave Anne a little nudge towards the first row of tables. Anne sat down next to a thin brown haired, green eyed little girl, who looked to be about twelve. Anne sat down and began to eat the toast, boiled egg, and slice of ham placed in front of her. As she ate, Anne glanced sideways at the girl beside her. "Hello," said the girl turning towards Anne. "My name is Elise, what's yours?"
"Anne, Anne spelt with an "e"
"That is a pretty name. I really like your hair it's very vibrant," Elise replied good-naturedly. Anne was astonished! Nobody had ever said anything so nice about her hair. "Do you, do you think it's pretty?" Anne asked nervously. "Why yes! Quite pretty and bold," Elise laughed. "No one has ever said my hair was pretty," Anne admitted bashfully, "I've always wished it a different color,"
"Yes, I've done the same for mine, I suppose we all want what we cannot have," Elise said simply. They sat in silence for a few moments before Elise spoke, "Would you like to be friends?"
"Oh! I would simply adore that!" Anne exclaimed excitedly.
"Well, I suppose that's settled then," Just at that moment Miss Carmichael entered and clapped her hands for silence. "Now children please exit the dining room in two neat lines and report to your grade for a bible reading and discussion. Now be off with you!" All the children rose from their seats, formed two lines, and marched out of the dining area. Anne seemed like a completely new person than early that morning. Her face was bright and eager once more and her eyes shone like stars. One friend made a world of difference to Anne. Elise was her first friend, and hopefully not her last. Anne felt that life at the orphanage may not be quite as terrible as she had imagined.