Chapters 1 - 3: An Irate Neighbor, Selling in Haste and Repenting at Leisure, Mr. Harrison at Home Summary

As Anne Shirley sits dreaming about her soon-to-begin job as the Avonlea schoolteacher, she receives an unexpected visit from a new neighbor, Mr. J.A. Harrison. Mr. Harrison is infuriated that Anne's cow, Dolly, has gotten into his oat field again. Mr. Harrison already warned Marilla Cuthbert, Anne's guardian, not to let the cow wander onto his property. At sixteen, Anne is quick-tempered and she rebukes Mr. Harrison for letting his fences fall into disrepair. Mr. Harrison leaves in a huff, and Anne contemplates the impending sale of Dolly along with the Cuthbert farm's other livestock.

Anne describes the incident to Marilla when Marilla returns from visiting an ailing distant relative, whose death...