`` There is something I want to say to you . '' `` Oh , do n't say it , '' cried Anne , pleadingly . `` Do n't -- PLEASE , Gilbert . '' `` I must . Things ca n't go on like this any longer . Anne , I love you . You know I do . I -- I ca n't tell you how much . Will you promise me that some day you 'll be my wife ? '' `` I -- I ca n't , '' said Anne miserably . `` Oh , Gilbert -- you -- you 've spoiled everything . '' `` Do n'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 do n't love you , Gilbert . '' `` But ca n't you give me some hope that you will -- yet ? '' `` No , I ca n't , '' exclaimed Anne desperately . `` I never , never can love you -- in that way -- Gilbert . You must never speak of this to me again . ''
There was another pause -- so long and so dreadful that XXXXX was driven at last to look up .
Anne Gilbert Things day deal friend pause something way wife