She recalled the stormy winter night of the Christmas holidays when Jane had proposed for Billy . He certainly had not broken his heart over his rejection . Anne wondered if Jane had also proposed to Nettie for him , or if he had mustered enough spunk to ask the fateful question himself . All the Andrews family seemed to share in his pride and pleasure , from Mrs. Harmon in the pew to Jane in the choir . Jane had resigned from the Avonlea school and intended to go West in the fall . `` Ca n't get a beau in Avonlea , that 's what , '' said Mrs. Rachel Lynde scornfully . `` 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 XXXXX galloping consumption , '' said Mrs. Lynde bluntly .
as at before from in of out over that to