In the peace of the old valley she had lived a life , narrow outwardly , wondrously deep and wide in thought and aspiration . Her native hills bounded the vision of her eyes , but the outlook of the soul was far and unhindered . In the quiet places and the green ways she had found what he had failed to find -- the secret of happiness and content . He knew that if this woman had walked hand in hand with him through the years , life , even in the glare and tumult of that world beyond the hills , would never have lost its meaning for him . Oh , fool and blind that he had been ! While he had sought and toiled afar , the best that God had meant for him had been here in the home of youth . When darkness came down through the firs he told her all this , haltingly , blunderingly , yearningly . `` Joyce , is it too late ? Can you forgive my mistake , my long blindness ? Can you care for me again -- a little ? '' She turned her face upward to the sky between the swaying fir tops and he saw the reflection of a star in her eyes . `` I have never ceased to care , '' she said in a low tone . `` I never really wanted to cease . It would have left life too empty . If my love means so much to you it is yours , Cuthbert -- it always has been yours . '' He drew her close into his arms , and as he felt her heart beating against his he understood that he had found the way back to simple happiness and true wisdom , the wisdom of loving and the happiness of being loved . Jane Lavinia Jane Lavinia put her precious portfolio down on the table in her room , carefully , as if its contents were fine gold , and proceeded to unpin and take off her second-best hat . When she had gone over to the Whittaker place that afternoon , she had wanted to wear her best hat , but Aunt Rebecca had vetoed that uncompromisingly . `` Next thing you 'll be wanting to wear your best muslin to go for the cows , '' said Aunt Rebecca sarcastically . `` You go right back upstairs and take off that chiffon hat .
If I was fool enough to be coaxed into buying it for you , I ai n't going XXXXX have you spoil it by traipsing hither and yon with it in the dust and sun .
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