"May I speak with you about something rather private?" Anne, Mrs. Blythe, inquired slowly. "Sure, what is it Mrs. Blythe?" "I can tell by the stars in your eyes how much you care for Rilla. Don't think I don't remember when Gilbert was making sheep's eyes at me. I just want you to know that I approve, but please don't cause her anymore heartache. Neither of you need that. You are a sweet boy." "I don't think I could break her heart if I tried," Ken pushed on leisurely, "I wish to marry her. Although I would like to have yours and Dr. Blythe's permission before I ask her. "Well, we will talk about that as it comes. But first you must ask Rilla's father for she is, remember, his to give." "Yes ma'am!" was his sharp reply. Anne smiled as if she were hiding a deliciously delightful secret and glanced down the lane. Jem was coming up the way with a spring in his step that had not been seen since before the war. He saw Ken and froze as if remembering some awful horror. Just as fast he smiled and said in a jolly way, "Ken you're back!" "Hello Jem." Ken said as though he too was reliving the horror of war. "Come around to Rainbow Valley with me and we can catch up." Ken agreed promptly and walked down to Rainbow Valley with Jem. "You are here to see Rilla, are you not," Jem asked in his old chummy voice. "It was my original reason for coming to Ingleside, yes. Though being here has brought back so many beautiful memories that I need desperately." Jem was not to be thus sidetracked and preceded, "You love her." "I do." "I wasn't asking." "I know."



*Meanwhile at Ingleside* Rilla lifted her head wearily from the sofa and noticed regretfully that Ken was gone. She walked out onto the verandah and wrapped her arms around her mother as she sat down on the step. Anne placed her arms around the young woman and rested her chin on Rilla's head. Rilla whispered faintly, "He's back and I know he loves me." Anne could barely hear her and chuckled as the word came out. For young Rilla Blythe was already fast asleep again. Her eyes were buttoned as always, though something was different about her. Anne decided it was the smile she wore that lighted up her face as she slept. It was the first time Anne had seen her smiling in her sleep for a long while and Anne knew the reason behind her charming daughter's happiness. It was something that would change her life forever. It was a man named Kenneth Ford.