Waiting her opportunity , she seized a moment when her mother was absent , and with her usual frankness spoke out impetuously . `` Paul , I 've done wrong , and I can have no peace till I am pardoned . I have seen Helen . '' `` Where , when , and how ? '' he asked , looking disturbed and yet relieved . She told him rapidly , and as she ended she looked up at him with her sweet face , so full of pity , shame , and grief it would have been impossible to deny her anything . `` Can you forgive me for discovering this affliction ? '' `` I think I could forgive you a far greater fault , Lillian , '' he answered , in a tone that said many things . `` But deceit is so mean , so dishonorable and contemptible , how can you so easily pardon it in me ? '' she asked , quite overcome by this forgiveness , granted without any reproach . `` Then you would find it hard to pardon such a thing in another ? '' he said , with the expression that always puzzled her . `` Yes , it would be hard ; but in those I loved , I could forgive much for love 's sake . '' With a sudden gesture he took her hand saying , impulsively , `` How little changed you are ! Do you remember that last ride of ours nearly five years ago ? '' `` Yes , Paul , '' she answered , with averted eyes . `` And what we talked of ? '' `` A part of that childish gossip I remember well . '' `` Which part ? '' `` The pretty little romance you told me . ''
And Lillian looked up now , longing to ask if XXXXX 's childhood had been blighted like her youth .
Helen Lillian Paul affliction pardon peace sake shame things years