Tragedy strikes: Matthew Cuthbert dies suddenly of a heart attack after losing money in a bank failure. To save Green Gables and care for Marilla (whose eyesight is failing), Anne gives up the scholarship and decides to teach at the local Avonlea school. Gilbert learns of this and secretly gives up his position at Avonlea to take a teaching post at another school (White Sands), so Anne can stay near Marilla.