Anne and Gilbert's relationship is one of those kind where one has great affection for the other, while the second in turns believes him- or herself to have no romantic interest, until something makes the second realize he or she has been falling in love a little bit at a time for a long time. That moment when the one who claims no interest finally realizes that he or she deeply loves the other is always a wonderful moment, when we sigh and say, "Oh finally, they realize it and will end up together after all! How sweet an ending!" Poor Gilbert admires Anne from afar for so long for her spunky personality, huge imagination, optimistic nature, and smarts, but Anne has to get over some old pride before she realizes she loves him, and his near-fatal illness is the catalyst. In these kind of relationships, when the first is so loyal in his or her love despite being spurned, ignored, or what have you, you know the second will be fortunate indeed, if he or she finally realizes his or her love, because he or she will end up with a most loyal and faithful beloved.

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