Chapter VI FAIR HELEN To no one but her mother and Hester did Lillian confide the discovery she had made . None of the former servants but old Bedford remained with them , and till Paul chose to renew the old friendship it was best to remain silent . Great was the surprise and delight of our lady and Hester at the good fortune of their protege , and many the conjectures as to how he would explain his hasty flight . `` You will go and see him , wo n't you , Mamma , or at least inquire about him ? '' said Lillian , eager to assure the wanderer of a welcome , for those few words of his had satisfied her entirely . `` No , dear , it is for him to seek us , and till he does , I shall make no sign . He knows where we are , and if he chooses he can renew the acquaintance so strangely broken off . Be patient , and above all things remember , Lillian , that you are no longer a child , '' replied my lady , rather disturbed by her daughter 's enthusiastic praises of Paul . `` I wish I was , for then I might act as I feel , and not be afraid of shocking the proprieties . '' And Lillian went to bed to dream of her hero . For three days she stayed at home , expecting Paul , but he did not come , and she went out for her usual ride in the Park , hoping to meet him . An elderly groom now rode behind her , and she surveyed him with extreme disgust , as she remembered the handsome lad who had once filled that place . Nowhere did Paul appear , but in the Ladies ' Mile she passed an elegant brougham in which sat a very lovely girl and a mild old lady . `` That is Talbot 's fiancee , '' said Maud Churchill , who had joined her . `` Is n't she beautiful ? '' `` Not at all -- yes , very , '' was Lillian 's somewhat peculiar reply , for jealousy and truth had a conflict just then . `` He 's so perfectly absorbed and devoted that I am sure that story is true , so adieu to our hopes , '' laughed Maud . `` Did you have any ? Good-bye , I must go . '' And Lillian rode home at a pace which caused the stout groom great distress .
`` Mamma , I 've seen XXXXX 's betrothed ! ''
Bedford Churchill HELEN Hester Maud Paul Talbot days fiancee proprieties