Is n't this a delightful evening ? Do you know , I found a cluster of white violets under that old twisted tree over there today ? I felt as if I had discovered a gold mine . '' `` You are always discovering gold mines , '' said Gilbert -- also absently . `` Let us go and see if we can find some more , '' suggested Anne eagerly . `` I 'll call Phil and -- '' `` Never mind Phil and the violets just now , Anne , '' said Gilbert quietly , taking her hand in a clasp from which she could not free it . `` There is something I want to say to you . '' `` Oh , do n't say it , '' cried Anne , pleadingly . `` Do n't -- PLEASE , Gilbert . '' `` I must . Things ca n't go on like this any longer . Anne , I love you . You know I do . I -- I ca n't tell you how much . Will you promise me that some day you 'll be my wife ? '' `` I -- I ca n't , '' said Anne miserably . `` Oh , Gilbert -- you -- you 've spoiled everything . '' `` Do n't you care for me at all ? '' Gilbert asked after a very dreadful pause , during which Anne had not dared to look up . `` Not -- not in that way .
I do care a great deal XXXXX you as a friend .
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