`` When it is said that a man has been faithful to a woman 's memory it generally means that he could n't get anyone else to take him . '' `` That is n't the case with Peter , '' protested Louisa . `` He is a good match , and many a woman would have been glad to take him , and would yet . He 's only forty-three . But he 's never taken the slightest interest in anyone since you threw him over , Nancy . '' `` But I did n't . He threw me over , '' said Nancy , plaintively , looking afar over the low-lying fields and a feathery young spruce valley to the white buildings of the Wright farm , glowing rosily in the sunset light when all the rest of Avonlea was scarfing itself in shadows . There was laughter in her eyes . Louisa could not pierce beneath that laughter to find if there were anything under it . `` Fudge ! '' said Louisa . `` What on earth did you and Peter quarrel about ? '' she added , curiously . `` I 've often wondered , '' parried Nancy . `` And you 've never seen him since ? '' reflected Louisa . `` No . Has he changed much ? '' `` Well , some . He is gray and kind of tired-looking .
But it is n't XXXXX be wondered at -- living the life he does .
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