Mrs. Rachel Lynde, curious about why Matthew Cuthbert has driven away from Green Gables that afternoon, visits Marilla Cuthbert to find out what's happening. Her keen eye sees the tea that's been laid out for the expected boy orphan.

Mrs. Rachel, before she had fairly closed the door, had taken mental note of everything that was on that table. There were three plates laid, so that Marilla must be expecting someone home with Matthew to tea; but the dishes were every-day dishes and there was only crab-apple preserves and one kind of cake, so that the expected company could not be any particular company. (5)

From Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, L. C. Page, 1908.