`` It is ; I have many , and my family choose to call me Sigismund , '' was the laughing answer . `` I 'll never call you so ; you shall be Karl , the courier , all your life to me , '' cried Helen , still unable to meet the ardent eyes before her . `` Good ; I like that well ; for it assures me that all my life I shall be something to you , my heart . What next ? '' `` When I asked if you were the baron , you denied it . '' `` Pardon ! I simply said my name was Hoffman . You did not ask me point blank if I was the baron ; had you done so , I think I should have confessed all , for it was very hard to restrain myself this morning . '' `` No , not yet ; I have more questions ; '' and Helen warned him away , as it became evident that he no longer considered restraint necessary . `` Who is Ludmilla ? '' she said , sharply . `` My faith , that is superb ! '' exclaimed the baron , with a triumphant smile at her betrayal of jealousy . `` How if she is a former love ? '' he asked , with a sly look at her changing face . `` It would cause me no surprise ; I am prepared for anything . '' `` How if she is my dearest sister , for whom I sent , that she might welcome you and bring the greetings of my parents to their new daughter ? '' `` Is it , indeed , so ? '' And Helen 's eyes dimmed as the thought of parents , home and love filled her heart with tenderest gratitude , for she had long been an orphan . '' Leibchen , it is true ; to-morrow you shall see how dear you already are to them , for I write often and they wait eagerly to receive you . ''
XXXXX felt herself going very fast , and made an effort to harden her heart , lest too easy victory should reward this audacious lover .
Helen Hoffman Karl Leibchen Ludmilla Sigismund eyes greetings love tenderest