But something in Lawrence 's grave , white face silenced her . She turned away without a word , knowing in her secret soul that her youngest-born was lost to her forever . Lawrence found Bessy in the orchard under apple trees that were pyramids of pearly bloom . She looked at him through the twilight with reproach and aloofness in her eyes . But he put out his hands and caught her reluctant ones in a masterful grasp . `` Listen to me , Bessy . Do n't condemn me before you 've heard me . I 've been to blame for believing falsehoods about you , but I believe them no longer , and I 've come to ask you to forgive me . '' He told his story simply and straightforwardly . In strict justice he could not keep his mother 's name out of it , but he merely said she had been mistaken . Perhaps Bessy understood none the less . She knew what Mrs. Eastman 's reputation in Lynnfield was . `` You might have had a little more faith in me , '' she cried reproachfully . `` I know -- I know . But I was beside myself with pain and wretchedness . Oh , Bessy , wo n't you forgive me ? I love you so ! If you send me away I 'll go to the dogs . Forgive me , Bessy . '' And she , being a woman , did forgive him .
`` I 've loved you from the first , Lawrence , '' she said , yielding XXXXX his kiss .
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