Chapter 11

The children opened exciting their presents on the next day. Some of them had never got a Christmas present before. It was the most beautiful Christmas in Hopetown. The doctors and nurses had bothered to find a becoming present for everyone. A book of fairy-tales, a jumping jack, a small wooden train.. Anne helped Sarah to open her present. The present was from Gilbert and Sarah beamed as she saw it. It was little stuff dog. Some time before, Anne had talk to Gilbert about Sarah. She Thought a lot about the reason, why Sarah don't speak. Sarah had lost her parents at a tragically accident one year ago. Her mother was already ill, since a long time. One night, suddenly a fire burnt in the house. The fire was still advanced as they noticed it. Her father carried Sarah out of the house and run back, to fetch his ill wife. But no of this two came again out of the burning house. The burning roof brake down and both died in it. Since this day the little girl hadn't speak any word. A neighbour takes her to the orphanage one week later. Sarah hadn't any relations. The neighbour told that the Carters had a little dog, but he died in the horrible fire, too. Anne had noticed that Sarah love dogs. But of course it wasn't possible to have a dog in the orphanage Miss Brook wouldn't allow this. And now, Gilbert gives her this sweet little stuff dog and Sarah squeezed it enthusiastic. As Anne was back in her room, at this evening. She opened her own small box. It was a chain with a little heart pendant. Anne hadn't got such a nice present before. She smiled and looked to the little heart in her hand.

Some days later, Gilbert was back. Suddenly, he stands next to the door, as Anne came downstairs. He was at once, drove to the orphanage. He can't wait to see Anne again. Anne noticed his tall figure and her heart beat wildly. `How handsome he is` thought Anne, as she walked towards him. "Hello, Anne!" "Hello, Gil. Had you a nice Christmas with your parents?" "Yes, but I'm glad to be back, too." "Thanks for your present." He had noticed the chain round her neck immediately, and he was happy that she wears his present. Suddenly, the children came running into the hall. As they saw Gilbert, they surround him laughing. "Had you all a nice Christmas?" He asked laughing. "We all got great presents, Dr. Blythe." And they start to talk about their presents. After this they went upstairs. Only Sarah stands yet irresolute in the hall and holds the little dog in her arms. "You have a nice dog," Gilbert said and smiled. "Have he a name?" He asked. Sarah starred with big eyes to him. Suddenly, she tried to move her lips. "Patty." She said with a low voice. "Dog's name is Patty." Anne and Gilbert glanced excited to each other. "What a beautiful name." Gilbert answered. Sarah nodded, than she hugged Gilbert, before her running to the other kids. "This is the first time that she said something." Astonished Anne looked after her. "We owe this only you." She looked to him. "Nonsense, she had started to speak without this, too." Replied Gilbert. But Anne doesn't believe it. Since months, she tried to help Sarah. But Gilbert had done it. Thankful she smiled to him. "I'm indebted to you something, for your help, Gil." "No, you don't be indebted to me. Oh. but wait. There is something." He winked saucy to her. "Will you come with me to the Sylvester ball? Dr. Piller had invited the whole hospital. It will be a joy for me, if you would escort me." "I?" Astonished, Anne looked up. "Sure! Will you come with me, Anne? Please say yes." "All right, I will escort you, Dr. Blythe." Formal she reached him her hand. "It is an honour for me, Miss Shirley."