Helen glanced at Hoffman , feeling that if he were not already engaged by them , he would devote himself to the invalid without any thought of payment . `` Perhaps we are . You want to see the Lake of Geneva , Chillon , and that neighborhood . Why not go now , instead of later ? '' `` Will you , uncle ? That 's capital ! We need say nothing , but go on and help the poor boy , if we can . '' Helen spoke like a matron of forty , and looked as full of maternal kindness as if the Pole were not out of his teens . The courier bowed , the major laughed behind his paper , and Amy gave a sentimental sigh to the memory of the baron , in whom her interest was failing . They only caught a glimpse of the Pole that evening at the Kursaal , but next morning they met , and he was invited to join their party for a little expedition . The major was in fine spirits , and Helen assumed her maternal air toward both invalids , for the sound of that hollow cough always brought a shadow over her face , recalling the brother she had lost . Amy was particularly merry and charming , and kept the whole party laughing at her comical efforts to learn Polish and teach English as they drove up the mountainside to the old Schloss . `` I 'm not equal to mounting all those steps for a view I 've seen a dozen times ; but pray take care of the child , Nell , or she 'll get lost again , as at Heidelberg , '' said the major , when they had roamed about the lower part of the place ; for a cool seat in the courtyard and a glass of beer were more tempting than turrets and prospects to the stout gentleman . `` She shall not be lost ; I am her body-guard . It is steep -- permit that I lead you , mademoiselle ; '' Casimer offered his hand to Amy , and they began their winding way . As she took the hand , the girl blushed and half smiled , remembering the vaults and the baron . `` I like this better , '' she said to herself , as they climbed step by step , often pausing to rest in the embrasures of the loopholes , where the sun glanced in , the balmy wind blew , and vines peeped from without , making a pretty picture of the girl , as she sat with rosy color on her usually pale cheeks , brown curls fluttering about her forehead , laughing lips , and bright eyes full of pleasant changes . Leaning opposite in the narrow stairway , Casimer had time to study the little tableau in many lights , and in spite of the dark glasses , to convey warm glances of admiration , of which , however , the young coquette seemed utterly unconscious . Helen came leisurely after , and Hoffman followed with a telescope , wishing , as he went , that his countrywomen possessed such dainty feet as those going on before him , for which masculine iniquity he will be pardoned by all who have seen the foot of a German Fraulein . It was worth the long ascent , that wide-spread landscape basking in the August glow .
Sitting on a fallen block of stone , while Casimer held a sun-umbrella over her , XXXXX had raptures at her ease ; while Helen sketched and asked questions of Hoffman , who stood beside her , watching her progress with interest .
Amy Casimer Chillon Geneva Heidelberg Helen Polish Schloss evening iniquity