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 Helen , still unable to meet the ardent eyes before her . `` Good ; I like that well ; for it assures me that all my life I shall be something to you , my heart . What next ? '' `` When I asked if you were the baron , you denied it . '' `` Pardon ! I simply said my name was Hoffman . You did not ask me point blank if I was the baron ; had you done so , I think I should have confessed all , for it was very hard to restrain myself this morning . ''
`` No , not yet ; I have more questions ; '' and XXXXX warned him away , as it became evident that he no longer considered restraint necessary .
Amy Helen Hoffman Karl Mademoiselle Sidney Sigismund forsworn month undertone