# Selling in Haste and Repenting at Leisure explained — Anne of Avonlea

> Chapter companion for Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery.

## What happens

Anne and Diana discuss plans for the Avonlea Village Improvement Society while shopping in Carmody. On their return, Anne discovers Mr. Harrison's Jersey cow in her oat field. In a fit of frustration, she impulsively sells the cow to Mr. Shearer, only to realize she has sold the wrong cow—Mr. Harrison's cow, not her own Dolly. Horrified, Anne prepares to confess to Mr. Harrison, bringing a nut cake as a peace offering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Change and Transition

Anne's impulsive sale marks a shift in her responsibilities and foreshadows the consequences of hasty decisions.

### Forgiveness and Redemption

Anne's preparation to confess and offer a peace cake reflects her desire to make amends for her mistake.

## Character check-ins

### Anne Shirley

Impulsively sells Mr. Harrison's cow by mistake, then prepares to confess and make amends.

### Diana Barry

Accompanies Anne to Carmody and helps chase the cow out of the oat field.

### Marilla Cuthbert

Returns from Mrs. Lynde's to learn of the cow sale; advises Anne to see Mr. Harrison.

### Mr. J. A. Harrison

His Jersey cow is mistakenly sold by Anne; he is the offended party.

## Key lines

> I think an old, deserted house is such a sad sight. It always seems to me to be thinking about its past and mourning for its old-time joys.

Anne finds abandoned houses melancholy, as if they long for their former happiness.

_Reflects Anne's imaginative and sentimental nature._

> I know now just how people feel who are being led to execution.

Anne feels as though she is heading to a terrible punishment as she goes to confess to Mr. Harrison.

_Highlights Anne's dramatic and self-aware humor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se/chapters/ii-selling-in-haste-and-repenting-at-leisure
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/anne_of_avonlea_se/chapters