How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Why, even Superintendent Bell came to see me, and he's really a very fine man. Not a kindred spirit, of course; but still I like him and I'm awfully sorry I ever criticized his prayers. I believe now he really does mean them, only he has got into the habit of saying them as if he didn't. He could get over that if he'd take a little trouble." (23.44)
Boring and honest are two different things, Anne learns. Both adjectives describe Mr. Bell.
Quote #8
"Do you suppose it's wrong for us to think so much about our clothes? Marilla says it is very sinful. But it is such an interesting subject, isn't it?" (29.15)
Marilla's religious views are pretty strict. She doesn't approve of fashion or trying to look good at all. But Anne likes to look pretty, and she isn't punished for it in the story, either. So even if Marilla thinks it's a sin, the author probably doesn't.
Quote #9
"If you are I guess I am too, Anne, for Rachel often has that effect on me. I sometimes think she'd have more of an influence for good, as you say yourself, if she didn't keep nagging people to do right. There should have been a special commandment against nagging. But there, I shouldn't talk so. Rachel is a good Christian woman and she means well. There isn't a kinder soul in Avonlea and she never shirks her share of the work." (31.8)
Here's proof that Marilla has changed. The Marilla in the beginning of the book would never have admitted aloud that Rachel Lynde makes her want to be a little sinful.