Anne finally rejects Royal's marriage proposal because she realizes that her feelings for him are not deep enough. She returns to Avonlea, where she learns that Gilbert is critically ill with typhoid fever. This news triggers a shocking realization in Anne: She realizes that she has always loved Gilbert and despairs at the thought of losing him. In her despair, she learns from a messenger that the crisis is over and Gilbert is recovering. Some time later, Gilbert visits her and the two take a walk to a blossoming apple tree. There, Gilbert confesses his love to Anne again and explains that there could never have been anyone else for him. He clarifies the misunderstanding with Christine Stuart, who was already promised to another. Anne accepts his marriage proposal this time and explains that she does not need riches, only him. They agree to wait a few years until Gilbert has completed his medical studies and look forward to their shared future.