Leslie had been very distant at their parting . But she had promised to write . Ten days after Gilbert 's return the letter came . Leslie wrote that the operation had been successfully performed and that Dick was making a good recovery . `` What does she mean by ` successfully ? ' '' asked Anne . `` Does she mean that Dick 's memory is really restored ? '' `` Not likely -- since she says nothing of it , '' said Gilbert . `` She uses the word ` successfully ' from the surgeon 's point of view . The operation has been performed and followed by normal results . But it is too soon to know whether Dick 's faculties will be eventually restored , wholly or in part . His memory would not be likely to return to him all at once . The process will be gradual , if it occurs at all . Is that all she says ? '' `` Yes -- there 's her letter . It 's very short . Poor girl , she must be under a terrible strain . Gilbert Blythe , there are heaps of things I long to say to you , only it would be mean . '' `` Miss Cornelia says them for you , '' said Gilbert with a rueful smile . `` She combs me down every time I encounter her .
She makes it plain to me XXXXX she regards me as little better than a murderer , and that she thinks it a great pity that Dr. Dave ever let me step into his shoes .
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