...

My dear little girl, you musn't cry like this," she said,
genuinely disturbed by Anne's tragic face. "Why, it's all 
just a funny mistake that anybody might make." 
"Oh, no, it takes me to make such a mistake," said 
Anne forlornly. "And I wanted to have that cake so nice
for you, Mrs. Allan." 
"Yes, I know, dear. And I assure you I appreciate your 
kindness and thoughtfulness just as much as if it had
turned out all right. Now, you mustn't cry any more, 
but come down with me and show me your flower 
garden. Miss Cuthbert tells me you have a little plot all
your own. I want to see it, for I'm very much interested
in flowers." 
Anne permitted herself to be led down and 
comforted, reflecting that it was really providential that
Mrs. Allan was a kindred spirit. Nothing more was said
about the liniment cake, and when the guests went 
away Anne found that she had enjoyed the evening 
more than could have been expected, considering that 
terrible incident. Nevertheless, she sighed deeply. 
"Marilla, isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new 
day with no mistakes in it yet?" 
"I'll warrant you'll make plenty in it," said Marilla. "I 
never saw your beat for making mistakes, Anne." 
"Yes, and well I know it," admitted Anne mournfully.
"But have you ever noticed one encouraging thing 
about me, Marilla? I never make the same mistake
twice." 
"I don't know as that's much benefit when you're 
always making new ones." 
"Oh, don't you see, Marilla? There must be a limit to 
the mistakes one person can make, and when I get to 
the end of them, then I'll be through with them. That's 
a very comforting thought." 

...