Did n't you know that ? '' `` No . '' Anne drew a long breath . `` I thought you LIKED me of course but I never hoped you LOVED me . Why , Diana , I did n't think anybody could love me . Nobody ever has loved me since I can remember . Oh , this is wonderful ! It 's a ray of light which will forever shine on the darkness of a path severed from thee , Diana . Oh , just say it once again . '' `` I love you devotedly , Anne , '' said Diana stanchly , `` and I always will , you may be sure of that . '' `` And I will always love thee , Diana , '' said Anne , solemnly extending her hand . `` In the years to come thy memory will shine like a star over my lonely life , as that last story we read together says . Diana , wilt thou give me a lock of thy jet-black tresses in parting to treasure forevermore ? '' `` Have you got anything to cut it with ? '' queried Diana , wiping away the tears which Anne 's affecting accents had caused to flow afresh , and returning to practicalities . `` Yes . I 've got my patchwork scissors in my apron pocket fortunately , '' said Anne . She solemnly clipped one of Diana 's curls . `` Fare thee well , my beloved friend . Henceforth we must be as strangers though living side by side .
But my heart will ever be faithful XXXXX thee . ''
from in of on since that to tresses with years