The sudden news of Abbey's Bank going bankrupt was a huge shock to Matthew's already fragile heart, and killed him instantly. Marilla is seen performing present-day CPR on Matthew to no avail. Everyone in Avonlea goes to Green Gables to mourn, where Anne is the only one unable to cry. The two who cared for Matthew the most seek comfort from each other, as no other person had loved Matthew as profoundly as they did. While crying together, Marilla tells Anne how happy she has been since Anne came to Green Gables, and how it would've been intolerable if she went through this alone.