He did so , and a few masterly strokes gave the sketch what it needed . As he bent near her to do this Helen stole a glance at the grave , dark face , and suddenly a disturbed look dawned in the eyes fixed on the glossy black locks pushed off the courier 's forehead , for he had removed his hat when she spoke to him . He seemed to feel that something was amiss , shot a quick glance at her , returned the pencil and rose erect , with an almost defiant air , yet something of shame in his eye , as his lips moved as if to speak impetuously . But not a word did he utter , for Helen touched her forehead significantly , and said in a low tone , -- `` I am an artist ; let me recommend Vandyke brown , which is not affected by heat . '' Hoffman looked over his shoulder at the other pair , but Amy was making an ivy wreath for her hat , and the Pole pulling sprays for the absorbing work . Speaking rapidly , Karl said , with a peculiar blending of merriment , humility , and anxiety in his tone , -- `` Mademoiselle , you are quick to discover my disguise ; will you also be kind in concealing ? I have enemies as well as friends , whom I desire to escape : I would earn my bread unknown ; Monsieur le Major keeps my foolish secret ; may I hope for equal goodness from yourself ? '' `` You may , I do not forget that I owe my life to you , nor that you are a gentleman . Trust me , I never will betray you . '' `` Thanks , thanks ! there will come a time when I may confess the truth and be myself , but not yet , '' and his regretful tone was emphasized by an impatient gesture , as if concealment was irksome . `` Nell , come down to lunch ; uncle is signalling as if he 'd gone mad . No , monsieur , it is quite impossible ; you can not reach the harebells without risking too much ; come away and forget that I wanted them . '' Amy led the way , and all went down more quietly than they came up , especially Helen and Hoffman . An excellent lunch waited on one of the tables in front of the old gateway , and having done justice to it , the major made himself comfortable with a cigar , bidding the girls keep near , for they must be off in half an hour . Hoffman went to see to the horses , Casimer strolled away with him , and the young ladies went to gather wild flowers at the foot of the tower . `` Not a harebell here ; is n't it provoking , when they grow in tufts up there , where one ca n't reach them . Mercy , what 's that ? Run , Nell , the old wall is coming down ! '' Both had been grubbing in a damp nook , where ferns and mosses grew luxuriantly ; the fall of a bit of stone and a rending sound above made them fly back to the path and look up .
XXXXX covered her eyes , and Helen grew pale , for part way down the crumbling tower , clinging like a bird to the thick ivy stems , hung Casimer , coolly gathering harebells from the clefts of the wall .
Amy Hoffman Mademoiselle Nell Pole Vandyke escape harebell hour nook