Now that the worst had come , she felt quite strong to meet it . She would tell Gilbert the truth , and he would go away in anger and never forgive her , but she deserved it . As she went downstairs , the only thing that really worried her was the thought of the pain Gilbert would suffer when she told him of Anna 's faithlessness . She had seen his face as he passed under her window , and it was the face of a blithe man who had not heard any evil tidings . It was left to her to tell him ; surely , she thought apathetically , that was punishment enough for what she had done . With her hand on the doorknob , she paused to wonder what she should say when he asked her why she had not told him of Anna 's marriage when it occurred -- why she had still continued the deception when it had no longer an end to serve . Well , she would tell him the truth -- that it was because she could not bear the thought of giving up writing to him . It was a humiliating thing to confess , but that did not matter -- nothing mattered now . She opened the door . Gilbert was standing on the big round door-stone under the red maple -- a tall , handsome young fellow with a bronzed face and laughing eyes . His exile had improved him . Alma found time and ability to reflect that she had never known Gilbert was so fine-looking . He put his arm around her and kissed her cheek in his frank delight at seeing her again . Alma coldly asked him in . Her face was still as pale as when she came downstairs , but a curious little spot of fiery red blossomed out where Gilbert 's lips had touched it . Gilbert followed her into the sitting-room and looked about eagerly . `` When did you come home ? '' she said slowly . `` I did not know you were expected . '' `` Got homesick , and just came !
I wanted XXXXX surprise you all , '' he answered , laughing .
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