'But why wasn't I told about the books?'
'He wanted to surprise you. And now he's gone away, Gilbert. He told her he wouldn't be back till after her marriage.'
'He's gone away?'
She raised her face, and continued eagerly:
'You see why he went, don't you? I had hard thoughts of him at first, but now I know I was wrong. You think so much of him; you know he wouldn't be so cowardly and wicked. Thyrza told me the solemn truth; I would die rather than doubt her word. You must believe her, Gilbert. It's all so hard! She couldn't help it. And you mustn't think harm of him!'
He said under his breath:
'I must try not to.'
She sat down, overcome, yielding herself to voiceless misery. It was a long time before Gilbert spoke.
'Do you know where he is gone to, Lyddy?'
'No, I don't.'