`` And what am I to do ? '' asked Hester , secretly relishing the prank , for she was dying with curiosity to behold Paul 's cousin . `` You are to do the talking with the old woman , and give me a chance to look . Now say you will , and I 'll behave myself like an angel in return . '' Hester yielded , after a few discreet scruples , and when they reached Laburnum Lodge played her part so well that Lillian soon managed to stray away into one of the upper rooms which overlooked the neighboring garden . Helen was there , and with eager eyes the girl scrutinized her . She was very beautiful , in the classical style ; as fair and finely molded as a statue , with magnificent dark hair and eyes , and possessed of that perfect grace which is as effective as beauty . She was alone , and when first seen was bending over a flower which she caressed and seemed to examine with great interest as she stood a long time motionless before it . Then she began to pace slowly around and around the little grass plot , her hands hanging loosely clasped before her , and her eyes fixed on vacancy as if absorbed in thought . But as the first effect of her beauty passed away , Lillian found something peculiar about her . It was not the somewhat foreign dress and ornaments she wore ; it was in her face , her movements , and the tone of her voice , for as she walked she sang a low , monotonous song , as if unconsciously . Lillian watched her keenly , marking the aimless motions of the little hands , the apathy of the lovely face , and the mirthless accent of the voice ; but most of all the vacant fixture of the great dark eyes . Around and around she went , with an elastic step and a mechanical regularity wearisome to witness . What is the matter with her ? thought Lillian anxiously , as this painful impression increased with every scrutiny of the unconscious girl . So abashed was she that Hester 's call was unheard , and Hester was unseen as she came and stood beside her . Both looked a moment , and as they looked an old lady came from the house and led Helen in , still murmuring her monotonous song and moving her hands as if to catch and hold the sunshine . `` Poor dear , poor dear . No wonder Paul turns sad and wo n't talk of her , and that she do n't see anyone , '' sighed Hester pitifully . `` What is it ?
I see , but do n't understand , '' whispered XXXXX .
Helen Hester Lillian Lodge Paul first hair house ornaments scruples