My lady has suffered enough already , and Lillian is so young , so happy , so unfit to meet a storm like this . Oh , Helen , mercy is more divine than justice . '' Something moved Paul deeply , and Helen seemed about to yield , when the name of Lillian wrought a subtle change in her . The color died out of her face , her black eyes burned with a gloomy fire , and her voice was relentless as she answered , while her frail hands held him fast , `` I will not let you give it up . We are as innocent as they ; we have suffered more ; and we deserve our rights , for we have no sin to expiate . Go on , Paul , and forget the sentimental folly that unmans you . '' Something in her words seemed to sting or wound him . His face darkened , and he put her away , saying briefly , `` Let it be so then . In an hour we must go . '' On the evening of the same day , Lady Trevlyn and her daughter sat together in the octagon room at the Hall . Twilight was falling and candles were not yet brought , but a cheery fire blazed in the wide chimney , filling the apartment with a ruddy glow , turning Lillian 's bright hair to gold and lending a tinge of color to my lady 's pallid cheeks . The girl sat on a low lounging chair before the fire , her head on her hand , her eyes on the red embers , her thoughts -- where ? My lady lay on her couch , a little in the shadow , regarding her daughter with an anxious air , for over the young face a somber change had passed which filled her with disquiet . `` You are out of spirits , love , '' she said at last , breaking the long silence , as Lillian gave an unconscious sigh and leaned wearily into the depths of her chair . `` Yes , Mamma , a little . '' `` What is it ? Are you ill ? '' `` No , Mamma ; I think London gaiety is rather too much for me . I 'm too young for it , as you often say , and I 've found it out . '' `` Then it is only weariness that makes you so pale and grave , and so bent on coming back here ? ''
XXXXX was the soul of truth , and with a moment 's hesitation answered slowly , `` Not that alone , Mamma .
Helen Lillian London Mamma Paul Twilight embers fire hour storm