The girls stood in the shadow of an old gateway , unperceived , and waited anxiously what should follow . Lightly folding and fastening the cap together , he dropped it down , and , leaning forward , tried to catch the top of a young birch rustling close by the wall . Twice he missed it ; the first time he frowned , but the second he uttered an emphatic , `` Deuce take it ! '' Helen and Amy looked at each other with a mutual smile and exclamation , -- `` He knows some English , then ! '' There was time for no more -- a violent rustle , a boyish laugh , and down swung the slender tree , with the young man clinging to the top . As he landed safely , Helen cried , `` Bravo ! '' and Amy rushed out , exclaiming reproachfully , yet admiringly , -- `` How could you do it and frighten us so ? I shall never express a wish before you again , for if I wanted the moon you 'd rashly try to get it , I know . '' '' Certainement , mademoiselle , '' was the smiling reply . Casimer presented the flowers , as if the exploit was a mere trifle . `` Now I shall go and press them at once in uncle 's guide-book . Come and help me , else you will be in mischief again . '' And Amy led the way to the major with her flowers and their giver . Helen roamed into one of the ruined courts for a last look at a fountain which pleased her eye . A sort of cloister ran round the court , open on both sides , and standing in one of these arched nooks , she saw Hoffman and a young girl talking animatedly . The girl was pretty , well dressed , and seemed refusing something for which the other pleaded eagerly . His arm was about her , and she leaned affectionately upon him , with a white hand now and then caressing his face , which was full of sparkle and vivacity now . They seemed about to part as Helen looked , for the maiden standing on tiptoe , laughingly offered her blooming cheek , and as Karl kissed it warmly , he said in German , so audibly Helen heard every word , -- `` Farewell , my Ludmilla . Keep silent and I shall soon be with you . Embrace the little one , and do not let him forget me . ''
Both left the place as they spoke , each going a different way , and XXXXX slowly returned to her party , saying to herself in a troubled tone , -- '' ` Ludmilla ' and ` the little one ' are his wife and child , doubtless .
Amy Certainement Deuce English German Helen Ludmilla cloister first guide-book