Anne hoped against hope that he had abandoned the idea about Dick Moore , and , resolving to let sleeping dogs lie , she said no more about the subject . But she thought of it incessantly . `` I wonder if it would be right for me to tell him that Leslie cares for Owen , '' she thought . `` He would never let her suspect that he knew , so her pride would not suffer , and it MIGHT convince him that he should let Dick Moore alone . Shall I -- shall I ? No , after all , I can not . A promise is sacred , and I 've no right to betray Leslie 's secret . But oh , I never felt so worried over anything in my life as I do over this . It 's spoiling the spring -- it 's spoiling everything . '' One evening Gilbert abruptly proposed that they go down and see Captain Jim . With a sinking heart Anne agreed , and they set forth . Two weeks of kind sunshine had wrought a miracle in the bleak landscape over which Gilbert 's crow had flown . The hills and fields were dry and brown and warm , ready to break into bud and blossom ; the harbor was laughter-shaken again ; the long harbor road was like a gleaming red ribbon ; down on the dunes a crowd of boys , who were out smelt fishing , were burning the thick , dry sandhill grass of the preceding summer . The flames swept over the dunes rosily , flinging their cardinal banners against the dark gulf beyond , and illuminating the channel and the fishing village . It was a picturesque scene which would at other times have delighted Anne 's eyes ; but she was not enjoying this walk . Neither was Gilbert . Their usual good-comradeship and Josephian community of taste and viewpoint were sadly lacking . Anne 's disapproval of the whole project showed itself in the haughty uplift of her head and the studied politeness of her remarks . Gilbert 's mouth was set in all the Blythe obstinacy , but his eyes were troubled . He meant to do what he believed to be his duty ; but to be at outs with Anne was a high price to pay .
Altogether , both were glad when they reached the light -- and remorseful XXXXX they should be glad .
against at beyond for if in of over that to