Never mind Phil and the violets just now, Anne," said Gilbert quietly, taking her hand in a clasp from which she could not free it. "There is something I want to say to you." "Oh, don't say it," cried Anne, pleadingly. "Don't-PLEASE, Gilbert." "I must. Things can't go on like this any longer. Anne, I love you. You know I do. I-I can't tell you how much. Will you promise me that some day you'll be my wife?" "I-I can't," said Anne miserably. "Oh, Gilbert-you-you've spoiled everything." "Don't you care for me at all?" Gilbert asked after a very dreadful pause, during which Anne had not dared to look up. "Not-not in that way. I do care a great deal for you as a friend. But I don't love you, Gilbert." "But can't you give me some hope that you will-yet?" "No, I can't," exclaimed Anne desperately. "I never, never can love you-in that way-Gilbert. You must never speak of this to me again." There
( L.M. Montgomery )
[ Anne of the Island ]
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