Lucy Maud Montgomery (November 30, 1874 - April 24, 1942), published as L. M. Montgomery, was a Canadian author best known for a series of novels beginning in 1908 with Anne of Green Gables. The book was an immediate success. The title character, orphan Anne Shirley, made Montgomery famous in her lifetime and gave her an international following. Marcella's Reward: Dr. Clark shook his head gravely. "She is not improving as fast as I should like to see," he said. "In facter she seems to have gone backward the past week. You must send her to the country, Miss Langley. The heat here is too trying for her."