`` But I believe he does know and is glad of it -- somewhere else . I 've read somewhere that ` our dead are never dead until we have forgotten them . ' Matthew will never be dead to me , for I can never forget him . '' She left on his grave the flowers she had brought and walked slowly down the long hill . It was a gracious evening , full of delectable lights and shadows . In the west was a sky of mackerel clouds -- crimson and amber-tinted , with long strips of apple-green sky between . Beyond was the glimmering radiance of a sunset sea , and the ceaseless voice of many waters came up from the tawny shore . All around her , lying in the fine , beautiful country silence , were the hills and fields and woods she had known and loved so long . `` History repeats itself , '' said Gilbert , joining her as she passed the Blythe gate . `` Do you remember our first walk down this hill , Anne -- our first walk together anywhere , for that matter ? '' `` I was coming home in the twilight from Matthew 's grave -- and you came out of the gate ; and I swallowed the pride of years and spoke to you . '' `` And all heaven opened before me , '' supplemented Gilbert . `` From that moment I looked forward to tomorrow . When I left you at your gate that night and walked home I was the happiest boy in the world . Anne had forgiven me . '' `` I think you had the most to forgive . I was an ungrateful little wretch -- and after you had really saved my life that day on the pond , too . How I loathed that load of obligation at first ! I do n't deserve the happiness that has come to me . '' Gilbert laughed and clasped tighter the girlish hand that wore his ring .
XXXXX 's engagement ring was a circlet of pearls .
Anne Blythe Gilbert Matthew day evening first left night years