`` I saw only the flowers ; '' and Helen colored beautifully as she spoke . `` And read them ? '' he asked , with a look she could not meet . She was spared an answer , for just then a lad came up , saying , as he offered a note , -- `` Monsieur Hoffman , madame , at the hotel , sends you this , and begs you to come at once . '' As he impatiently opened it , the wind blew the paper into Helen 's lap . She restored it , and in the act , her quick eye caught the signature , `` Thine ever , Ludmilla . '' A slight shadow passed over her face , leaving it very cold and quiet . Hoffman saw the change , and smiled , as if well pleased , but assuming suddenly his usual manner , said deferentially , -- `` Will mademoiselle permit me to visit my friend for an hour ? -- she is expecting me . '' `` Go , then , we do not need you , '' was the brief reply , in a careless tone , as if his absence was a thing of no interest to any one . `` Thanks ; I shall not be long away ; '' and giving her a glance that made her turn scarlet with anger at its undisguised admiration , he walked away , humming gayly to himself Goethe 's lines , -- `` Maiden 's heart and city 's wall Were made to yield , were made to fall ; When we 've held them each their day , Soldier-like we march away . '' IX `` S.P. '' AND THE BARON Dinner was over , and the salon deserted by all but the two young ladies , who sat apart , apparently absorbed in novels , while each was privately longing for somebody to come , and with the charming inconsistency of the fair sex , planning to fly if certain somebodies did appear . Steps approached ; both buried themselves in their books ; both held their breath and felt their hearts flutter as they never had done before at the step of mortal man . The door opened ; neither looked up , yet each was conscious of mingled disappointment and relief when the major said , in a grave tone , `` Girls , I 've something to tell you . '' `` We know what it is , sir , '' returned Helen , coolly . `` I beg your pardon , but you do n't , my dear , as I will prove in five minutes , if you will give me your attention . '' The major looked as if braced up to some momentous undertaking ; and planting himself before the two young ladies , dashed bravely into the subject . `` Girls , I 've played a bold game , but I 've won it , and will take the consequences . '' `` They will fall heaviest on you , uncle , '' said Helen , thinking he was about to declare his love for the widow . The major laughed , shrugged his shoulders , and answered , stoutly , -- `` I 'll bear them ; but you are quite wrong , my dear , in your surmises , as you will soon see .
XXXXX is my ward , and accountable to me alone .
Dinner Goethe Helen Hoffman Ludmilla day fall hour minutes somebodies