after a year passes, gilbert hears a rumour of helen's impending wedding. when he arrived at the wedding, he only found that mr lawrence, with whom he has reconciled, is marrying helen's friend esther hargrave. gilbert goes to grassdale, and discovers that helen is now wealthy. he travels there, but is anxious that she is now far above his social position. by chance he sees helen, her aunt and young arthur. the two lovers marry. they lead a happy life and have at least two children together.