`` Then , come in , my lads , and plead for your lives . '' As he spoke the major threw open the door , and two gentlemen entered the room -- one , slight and dark , with brilliant black eyes ; the other tall and large , with blond hair and beard . Angry , bewildered , and shame-stricken as they were , feminine curiosity overpowered all other feelings for the moment , and the girls sat looking at the culprits with eager eyes , full of instant recognition ; for though the disguise was off , and neither had seen them in their true characters but once , they felt no doubt , and involuntarily exclaimed , -- `` Karl ! '' `` Casimer . '' `` No , young ladies ; the courier and exile are defunct , and from their ashes rise Baron Sigismund Palsdorf , my friend , and Sidney Power , my nephew . I give you one hour to settle the matter ; then I shall return to bestow my blessing or to banish these scapegraces forever . '' And , having fired his last shot , the major prudently retreated , without waiting to see its effect . It was tremendous , for it carried confusion into the fair enemy 's camp ; and gave the besiegers a momentary advantage of which they were not slow to avail themselves . For a moment the four remained mute and motionless : then Amy , like all timid things , took refuge in flight , and Sidney followed her into the garden , glad to see the allies separated . Helen , with the courage of her nature , tried to face and repulse the foe ; but love was stronger than pride , maiden shame overcame anger , and , finding it vain to meet and bear down the steady , tender glance of the blue eyes fixed upon her , she dropped her head into her hands and sat before him , like one conquered but too proud to cry `` Quarter . '' Her lover watched her till she hid her face , then drew near , knelt down before her , and said , with an undertone of deep feeling below the mirthful malice of his words , -- `` Mademoiselle , pardon me that I am a foolish baron , and dare to offer you the title that you hate . I have served you faithfully for a month , and , presumptuous as it is , I ask to be allowed to serve you all my life . Helen , say you forgive the deceit for love 's sake . '' `` No ; you are false and forsworn . How can I believe that anything is true ? '' And Helen drew away the hand of which he had taken possession . `` Heart 's dearest , you trusted me in spite of my disguise ; trust me still , and I will prove that I am neither false nor forsworn . Catechise me , and see if I was not true in spite of all my seeming deception . '' `` You said your name was Karl Hoffman , '' began Helen , glad to gain a little time to calm herself before the momentous question came . `` It is ; I have many , and my family choose to call me Sigismund , '' was the laughing answer .
`` I 'll never call you so ; you shall be Karl , the courier , all your life to me , '' cried XXXXX , still unable to meet the ardent eyes before her .
Amy Helen Hoffman Mademoiselle Power Sidney Sigismund month shame-stricken undertone