Their eyes met , and in the girl 's face was such a sudden glow of hope , and love , and longing , that the mother could not doubt or disappoint her wish . `` I will see him , '' she said . `` Oh , Mamma , how kind you are ! '' cried the girl with a passionate embrace , adding breathlessly , `` He did not ask for me . I can not see him yet . I 'll hide in the alcove , and can appear or run away as I like when we know why he comes . '' They were in the library , for , knowing Lillian 's fondness for the room which held no dark memories for her , my lady conquered her dislike and often sat there . As she spoke , the girl glided into the deep recess of a bay window and drew the heavy curtains just as Paul 's step sounded at the door . Hiding her agitation with a woman 's skill , my lady rose with outstretched hand to welcome him . He bowed but did not take the hand , saying , in a voice of grave respect in which was audible an undertone of strong emotion , `` Pardon me , Lady Trevlyn . Hear what I have to say ; and then if you offer me your hand , I shall gratefully receive it . '' She glanced at him , and saw that he was very pale , that his eye glittered with suppressed excitement , and his whole manner was that of a man who had nerved himself up to the performance of a difficult but intensely interesting task . Fancying these signs of agitation only natural in a young lover coming to woo , my lady smiled , reseated herself , and calmly answered , `` I will listen patiently . Speak freely , Paul , and remember I am an old friend . '' `` I wish I could forget it . Then my task would be easier , '' he murmured in a voice of mingled regret and resolution , as he leaned on a tall chair opposite and wiped his damp forehead , with a look of such deep compassion that her heart sank with a nameless fear . `` I must tell you a long story , and ask your forgiveness for the offenses I committed against you when a boy . A mistaken sense of duty guided me , and I obeyed it blindly . Now I see my error and regret it , '' he said earnestly . `` Go on , '' replied my lady , while the vague dread grew stronger , and she braced her nerves as for some approaching shock .
She forgot XXXXX , forgot everything but the strange aspect of the man before her , and the words to which she listened like a statue .
Lillian Paul Trevlyn agitation alcove emotion girl library regret undertone