She stopped abruptly , longing to ask his help , yet withheld by a sudden sense of shyness in approaching the subject , though she had decided to speak to Karl of the Pole . `` Can I serve you , mademoiselle ? If so , pray command me , '' he said , eagerly , coming a step nearer . `` You can , and I intend to ask your advice , for there can be nothing amiss in doing so , since you are a friend of Casimer 's . '' `` I am both friend and confidant , mademoiselle , '' he answered , as if anxious to let her understand that he knew all , without the embarrassment of words . She looked up quickly , relieved , yet troubled . `` He has told you , then ? '' `` Everything , mademoiselle . Pardon me if this afflicts you ; I am his only friend here , and the poor lad sorely needed comfort . '' `` He did . I am not annoyed ; I am glad , for I know you will sustain him . Now I may speak freely , and be equally frank . Please tell me if he is indeed fatally ill ? '' `` It was thought so some months ago ; now I hope . Happiness cures many ills , and since he has loved , he has improved . I always thought care would save him ; he is worth it . '' Hoffman paused , as if fearful of venturing too far ; but Helen seemed to confide freely in him , and said , softly , -- `` Ah , if it were only wise to let him be happy . It is so bitter to deny love . '' `` God knows it is ! '' The exclamation broke from Hoffman as if an irrepressible impulse wrung it from him .
XXXXX started , and for a moment neither spoke .
Casimer Helen Hoffman Karl Pole help lad longing months shyness