Remorse is the Poison of Life

S1, E6: With most of Avonlea’s adults, including the Barrys, in Charlottetown to hear the Premier speak, a desperate Diana calls on Anne for help when her little sister becomes deathly ill in the middle of the night. Anne employs her many years of experience tending to children to save Minnie May’s life. Grieving the loss of her longtime companion, Diana’s elderly Aunt Josephine, is staying with the Barrys and bears witness to Anne’s remarkable skills; she grows fond of the girl. Upon her return, a grateful Mrs. Barry lifts the ban on Anne’s friendship with Diana. At the Blythe farm Gilbert’s father passes away, leaving Gilbert an orphan and facing an unknown future. John Blythe’s death affects not only Gilbert but Marilla too, as we learn of the young love the two once shared. In town after the funeral Matthew receives unsettling news.