air as of a wind that had blown over honey-sweet fields of clover. Home
lights twinkled out here and there among the homestead trees. Beyond lay
the sea, misty and purple, with its haunting, unceasing murmur. The west
was a glory of soft mingled hues, and the pond reflected them all in
still softer shadings. The beauty of it all thrilled Anne s heart, and
she gratefully opened the gates of her soul to it.
Dear old world, she murmured, you are very lovely, and I am glad to
be alive in you.
Halfway down the hill a tall lad came whistling out of a gate before the
Blythe homestead. It was Gilbert, and the whistle died on his lips as he
recognized Anne. He lifted his cap courteously, but he would have passed
on in silence, if Anne had not stopped and held out her hand.
Gilbert, she said, with scarlet cheeks, I want to thank you for
giving up the school for me. It was very good of you--and I want you to
know that I appreciate it.
Gilbert took the offered hand eagerly.
It wasn t particularly good of me at all, Anne. I was pleased to be
able to do you some small service. Are we going to be friends after
this? Have you really forgiven me my old fault?
Anne laughed and tried unsuccessfully to withdraw her hand.
I forgave you that day by the pond landing, although I didn t know
it. What a stubborn little goose I was. I ve been--I may as well make a
complete confession--I ve been sorry ever since.
We are going to be the best of friends, said Gilbert, jubilantly. We
were born to be good friends, Anne. You ve thwarted destiny enough. I
know we can help each other in many ways. You are going to keep up your
studies, aren t you? So am I. Come, I m going to walk home with you.
Marilla looked curiously at Anne when the latter entered the kitchen.
Who was that came up the lane with you, Anne?
269