`` But one does n't know how to treat him , '' said Helen . `` I do n't like to address him as a servant , and yet it 's not pleasant to order a gentleman about . '' `` Oh , it will be easy enough as we go on together . Just call him Hoffman , and behave as if you knew nothing about his past . He begged me not to mention it , but I thought you 'd like the romance of the thing . Only do n't either of you run away with him , as Ponsonby 's daughter did with her courier , who was n't a gentleman , by the way . '' `` Not handsome enough , '' said Amy . `` I do n't like blue eyes and black hair . His manners are nice , but he looks like a gipsy , with his brown face and black beard : does n't he , Nell ? '' `` Not at all . Gipsies have n't that style of face ; they are thin , sharp , and cunning in feature as in nature . Hoffman has large , well-moulded features , and a mild , manly expression , which gives one confidence in him . '' `` He has a keen , wicked look in his blue eyes , as you will see , Nell . I mean mischievously , not malignantly wicked . He likes fun , I 'm sure , for he laughed about the ` sumptuous cheek ' till his own were red , though he dared not show it , and was as grave as an owl when we met uncle , '' said Amy , smiling at the recollection . `` We shall go by boat to Biebrich , and then by rail to Heidelberg . We shall get in late to-morrow night , but can rest a day , and then on to Baden . Here we are ; now make yourselves easy , as I do , and let Karl take care of everything . '' And putting his hands in his pockets , the major strolled about the boat , while the courier made matters comfortable for the day . So easily and well did he do his duty , that both girls enjoyed watching him after he had established them on the shady side of the boat , with camp-stools for their feet , cushions to lean on , books and bags laid commodiously at hand .
As they sailed up the lovely Rhine they grew more and more enthusiastic in their admiration and curiosity , and finding the meagre description of the guide-books very unsatisfactory , XXXXX begged her uncle to tell her all the legends of picturesque ruin , rock and river , as they passed .
Amy Baden Biebrich Helen Hoffman Nell Ponsonby camp-stools gipsy night