I always thought care would save him ; he is worth it . '' Hoffman paused , as if fearful of venturing too far ; but Helen seemed to confide freely in him , and said , softly , -- `` Ah , if it were only wise to let him be happy . It is so bitter to deny love . '' `` God knows it is ! '' The exclamation broke from Hoffman as if an irrepressible impulse wrung it from him . Helen started , and for a moment neither spoke . She collected herself soonest , and without turning , said , quietly , -- `` I have been troubled by a strong impression that Casimer is not what he seems . Till he denied it on his honor I believed him to be Baron Palsdorf . Did he speak the truth when he said he was not ? '' `` Yes , mademoiselle . '' `` Then , Casimer Teblinski is his real name ? '' No answer . She turned sharply , and added , -- `` For my cousin 's sake , I must know the truth . Several curious coincidences make me strongly suspect that he is passing under an assumed name . '' Not a word said Hoffman , but looked on the ground , as motionless and expressionless as a statue . Helen lost patience , and in order to show how much she had discovered , rapidly told the story of the gloves , ring , handkerchief , prayer-book and collar , omitting all hint of the girlish romance they had woven about these things . As she ended , Hoffman looked up with a curious expression , in which confusion , amusement , admiration and annoyance seemed to contend . `` Mademoiselle , '' he said , gravely , `` I am about to prove to you that I feel honored by the confidence you place in me . I can not break my word , but I will confess to you that Casimer does not bear his own name . '' `` I knew it ! ''
said XXXXX , with a flash of triumph in her eyes .
Casimer Helen Hoffman Mademoiselle Palsdorf Teblinski amusement impulse patience prayer-book