Gilbert , JUST look at him ! He 's smiling at me -- he knows what we 're talking about . And oo dest agwees wif evy word muzzer says , do n't oo , angel-lover ? '' Gilbert put his arm about them . `` Oh you mothers ! '' he said . `` You mothers ! God knew what He was about when He made you . '' So Little Jem was talked to and loved and cuddled ; and he throve as became a child of the house of dreams . Leslie was quite as foolish over him as Anne was . When their work was done and Gilbert was out of the way , they gave themselves over to shameless orgies of love-making and ecstasies of adoration , such as that in which Owen Ford had surprised them . Leslie was the first to become aware of him . Even in the twilight Anne could see the sudden whiteness that swept over her beautiful face , blotting out the crimson of lip and cheeks . Owen came forward , eagerly , blind for a moment to Anne . `` Leslie ! '' he said , holding out his hand . It was the first time he had ever called her by her name ; but the hand Leslie gave him was cold ; and she was very quiet all the evening , while Anne and Gilbert and Owen laughed and talked together . Before his call ended she excused herself and went upstairs . Owen 's gay spirits flagged and he went away soon after with a downcast air . Gilbert looked at Anne .
`` Anne , what are you up XXXXX ?
Before about as by for in of over to while