Marilla has gone to the doctor about her headaches. When she returns, she is dejected. She tells Anne that the doctor said there is a chance she might go blind. The only way to save her sight is to give up all reading and sewing. She also must try not to cry. If she wears glasses, her headaches might go away. However, Marilla cannot imagine a life without reading and sewing and other projects that might cause eye strain.

That night, as Anne sits at her bedroom window, she thinks about all the changes that have come over the family since her return from school. When she returned home, she felt nothing but hope for the future. Now she feels as if many years have passed, and her life has been transformed into something that is difficult to recognize. Before she falls asleep, she has a powerful sense of duty come over her—one that makes her feel strong.

A few days later, Anne sees Marilla talking to a man outside. When Marilla comes into the house, Anne asks what the man wanted. Marilla tells her he had heard she might be interested in selling Green Gables. Anne cannot believe what she is hearing. She tells Marilla that she cannot sell Green Gables. However, Marilla does not know what else she can do. She cannot manage the farm with her failing eyesight, and she certainly could not take care of it if she were to go blind. Also, the failure of the bank means Marilla has lost all her savings. Mrs. Lynde suggested that Marilla sell the farm to give her money to live on. She could board with Mrs. Lynde. Anne will be all right, Marilla says, because she has the scholarship. The only sad part is that Anne will not have a home to come to on vacation. Marilla is sorry, she tells Anne, but she cannot run the farm alone.

Anne announces to Marilla that she will not be alone. She has decided not to go to Redmond. Diana’s father wants to rent the barn and pastures, which will give them a little income, and Anne believes she can gain a teaching position in a nearby town. When Marilla protests, Anne tells her that her mind is made up. After everything Marilla and Matthew have done for her, Anne says, she feels she must stay home and help.

Marilla has made Anne promise not to tell anyone about her failing eyesight because she does not want people fussing over her. However, word gets out that Anne has given up her scholarship, and neighbors discuss what they can do to help Marilla and Anne. Mrs. Lynde is the one who announces that the board has decided to give Anne the school at Avonlea so she will not have to travel so far. Anne also learns that Gilbert suggested that the board give the position to Anne even though it had promised the school to him. Later that day, Anne runs into Gilbert. They declare their friendship for one another and look forward to their future.