`` SAYS she thinks she 'll have better health out West . I never heard her health was poor before . '' `` Jane is a nice girl , '' Anne had said loyally . `` She never tried to attract attention , as some did . '' `` Oh , she never chased the boys , if that 's what you mean , '' said Mrs. Rachel . `` But she 'd like to be married , just as much as anybody , that 's what . What else would take her out West to some forsaken place whose only recommendation is that men are plenty and women scarce ? Do n't you tell me ! '' But it was not at Jane , Anne gazed that day in dismay and surprise . It was at Ruby Gillis , who sat beside her in the choir . What had happened to Ruby ? She was even handsomer than ever ; but her blue eyes were too bright and lustrous , and the color of her cheeks was hectically brilliant ; besides , she was very thin ; the hands that held her hymn-book were almost transparent in their delicacy . `` Is Ruby Gillis ill ? '' Anne asked of Mrs. Lynde , as they went home from church . `` Ruby Gillis is dying of galloping consumption , '' said Mrs. Lynde bluntly . `` Everybody knows it except herself and her FAMILY . They wo n't give in . If you ask THEM , she 's perfectly well . She has n't been able to teach since she had that attack of congestion in the winter , but she says she 's going to teach again in the fall , and she 's after the White Sands school . She 'll be in her grave , poor girl , when White Sands school opens , that 's what . ''
Anne listened XXXXX shocked silence .
If as before beside except in of out that to