His exile had improved him . Alma found time and ability to reflect that she had never known Gilbert was so fine-looking . He put his arm around her and kissed her cheek in his frank delight at seeing her again . Alma coldly asked him in . Her face was still as pale as when she came downstairs , but a curious little spot of fiery red blossomed out where Gilbert 's lips had touched it . Gilbert followed her into the sitting-room and looked about eagerly . `` When did you come home ? '' she said slowly . `` I did not know you were expected . '' `` Got homesick , and just came ! I wanted to surprise you all , '' he answered , laughing . `` I arrived only a few minutes ago . Just took time to hug my mother , and here I am . Where 's Anna ? '' The pent-up retribution of two years descended on Alma 's head in the last question of Gilbert 's . But she did not flinch . She stood straight before him , tall and fair and pale , with the red maple light streaming in through the open door behind her , staining her light house-dress and mellowing the golden sheen of her hair . Gilbert reflected that Alma Williams was really a very handsome girl . These two years had improved her . What splendid big grey eyes she had !
He had always wished XXXXX Anna 's eyes had not been quite so black .
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