`` 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 Anne was driven at last to look up . Gilbert 's face was white to the lips . And his eyes -- but Anne shuddered and looked away . There was nothing romantic about this . Must proposals be either grotesque or -- horrible ? Could she ever forget Gilbert 's face ? `` Is there anybody else ? '' he asked at last in a low voice . `` No -- no , '' said Anne eagerly .
`` I do n't care for any one like THAT -- and I LIKE you better than anybody else XXXXX the world , Gilbert .
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