Anne has been living at Green Gables for about two weeks when Mrs. Rachel Lynde finally comes to visit. This was an uncommonly long time for Mrs. Lynde to stay away from important news in the community—the arrival of Avonlea’s newest member—but she had been ill and under doctor’s orders to not leave home. As soon as she is released from this order, she rushes up to Green Gables to inspect the orphan girl, Anne Shirley.

When Mrs. Lynde arrives, Anne is out in the orchard. This gives Mrs. Lynde time to speak with Marilla alone. She tells Marilla that she was shocked when she heard that Marilla and Matthew were keeping the girl. Mrs. Lynde says they should have sent the girl back to the orphanage because it was all a mistake. In part, Marilla agrees with Mrs. Lynde, and she admits she did consider it. But Marilla adds that she and Matthew took a liking to the girl, despite some of Anne’s faults. Now, the house would seem empty without Anne, Marilla says. Marilla even goes so far as to compliment Anne, calling her “a real bright little thing.” From Mrs. Lynde’s expression, Marilla realizes too late that she has said more than she should have. She can tell immediately that Mrs. Lynde does not approve of what they have done.

Mrs. Lynde points out that neither Marilla nor Matthew has any experience in raising children. Also, they cannot possibly know much about Anne’s background and character, so there is no telling how Anne will turn out. They do not know the true nature of Anne’s disposition or personality. Mrs. Lynde then states that she does not want to discourage Marilla. Marilla tells her friend that she has not been discouraged. She has, however, made up her mind to keep Anne, and once a decision is made, she sticks with it. So Mrs. Lynde can meet Anne, Marilla goes to the door and calls to Anne, telling her to come into the house.

Upon seeing Anne, the first thing Mrs. Lynde says is, “Well, they didn’t pick you for your looks.” The woman then continues to inspect Anne and vocalize her criticism. She says Anne is too skinny, very homely, covered in freckles, and has hair the color of carrots. As Anne listens to these remarks, she is filled with anger. Without considering the consequences, Anne exclaims to Mrs. Lynde’s face that she hates her. She says Mrs. Lynde has no right to say all those mean things to her. She tells Mrs. Lynde that she is a “rude, impolite, unfeeling woman.” Although Marilla calls out to her, Anne continues with her evaluation of Mrs. Lynde, asking her how she would like it if someone said she was fat and had no sense of imagination. Anne declares that Mrs. Lynde has hurt her feelings more than anyone else has ever done before, and she will never forgive her for this.

Marilla sends Anne to her room and does not talk to the girl until after Mrs. Lynde leaves. When she then comes to Anne’s room, Marilla tells Anne that she must apologize to Mrs. Lynde the next day. Anne cannot imagine doing this. Marilla tells Anne that she has all night to figure out a way. As Marilla returns downstairs, she has to suppress a laugh when she thinks about the look of indignation on Mrs. Lynde’s face.