Those letters made that other life seem real to me . I never expected to meet you . These last four days since your letter came have been dreadful to me . Oh , please go away and forgive me if you can ! I know I can never make you understand how it came about . '' Sidney turned away and hid her burning face against the cool white bark of the birch tree behind her . It was worse than she had even thought it would be . He was so handsome , so manly , so earnest-eyed ! Oh , what a friend to lose ! John Lincoln opened the gate and went up to her . There was a great tenderness in his face , mingled with a little kindly , friendly amusement . `` Please do n't distress yourself so , Sidney , '' he said , unconsciously using her Christian name . `` I think I do understand . I 'm not such a dull fellow as you take me for . After all , those letters were true -- or , rather , there was truth in them . You revealed yourself more faithfully in them than if you had written truly about your narrow outward life . '' Sidney turned her flushed face and wet eyes slowly toward him , a little smile struggling out amid the clouds of woe . This young man was certainly good at understanding . `` You -- you 'll forgive me then ? '' she stammered .
`` Yes , if there is anything XXXXX forgive .
After against at behind for if in than that to