`` Now , Leslie , that IS bitter and morbid -- put such thoughts away . `` I was so glad when you brought the little dress ; and since I had to lose little Joyce I like to think that the dress she wore was the one you made for her when you let yourself love me . '' `` Anne , do you know , I believe I shall always love you after this . I do n't think I 'll ever feel that dreadful way about you again . Talking it all out seems to have done away with it , somehow . It 's very strange -- and I thought it so real and bitter . It 's like opening the door of a dark room to show some hideous creature you 've believed to be there -- and when the light streams in your monster turns out to have been just a shadow , vanishing when the light comes . It will never come between us again . '' `` No , we are real friends now , Leslie , and I am very glad . '' `` I hope you wo n't misunderstand me if I say something else . Anne , I was grieved to the core of my heart when you lost your baby ; and if I could have saved her for you by cutting off one of my hands I would have done it . But your sorrow has brought us closer together . Your perfect happiness is n't a barrier any longer . Oh , do n't misunderstand , dearest -- I 'm NOT glad that your happiness is n't perfect any longer -- I can say that sincerely ; but since it is n't , there is n't such a gulf between us . '' `` I DO understand that , too , Leslie . Now , we 'll just shut up the past and forget what was unpleasant in it . It 's all going to be different . We 're both of the race of Joseph now . I think you 've been wonderful -- wonderful . And , Leslie , I ca n't help believing that life has something good and beautiful for you yet . ''
XXXXX shook her head .
Anne Joseph Joyce Leslie dearest dress gulf happiness something way