A feeling of distrust had taken possession of her and she determined to be on the watch , for the unsuspicious major would be easily duped , and Helen trusted more to her own quick and keen eye than to his experience . She tried to show nothing of the change in her manner : but Hoffman perceived it , and bore it with a proud patience which often touched her heart , but never altered her purpose . VII AT FAULT Four weeks went by so rapidly that every one refused to believe it when the major stated the fact at the breakfast-table , for all had enjoyed themselves so heartily that they had been unconscious of the lapse of time . `` You are not going away , uncle ? '' cried Amy , with a panic-stricken look . `` Next week , my dear ; we must be off , for we 've much to do yet , and I promised mamma to bring you back by the end of October . '' `` Never mind Paris and the rest of it ; this is pleasanter . I 'd rather stay here -- '' There Amy checked herself and tried to hide her face behind her coffee-cup , for Casimer looked up in a way that made her heart flutter and her cheeks burn . `` Sorry for it , Amy ; but go we must , so enjoy your last week with all your might , and come again next year . '' `` It will never be again what it is now , '' sighed Amy ; and Casimer echoed the words `` next year , '' as if sadly wondering if the present year would not be his last . Helen rose silently and went into the garden , for of late she had fallen into the way of reading and working in the little pavilion which stood in an angle of the wall , overlooking lake and mountains . A seat at the opposite end of the walk was Amy 's haunt , for she liked the sun , and within a week or two something like constraint had existed between the cousins . Each seemed happier apart , and each was intent on her own affairs . Helen watched over Amy 's health , but no longer offered advice or asked confidence . She often looked anxious , and once or twice urged the major to go , as if conscious of some danger . But the worthy man seemed to have been bewitched as well as the young folks , and was quite happy sitting by the plump , placid widow , or leisurely walking with her to the chapel on the hillside . All seemed waiting for something to break up the party , and no one had the courage to do it . The major 's decision took every one by surprise , and Amy and Casimer looked as if they had fallen from the clouds . The persistency with which the English lessons had gone on was amazing , for Amy usually tired of everything in a day or two . Now , however , she was a devoted teacher , and her pupil did her great credit by the rapidity with which he caught the language .
It looked like pleasant play , sitting among the roses day after day , Amy affecting to embroider while she taught , XXXXX marching to and fro on the wide , low wall , below which lay the lake , while he learned his lesson ; then standing before her to recite , or lounging on the turf in frequent fits of idleness , both talking and laughing a great deal , and generally forgetting everything but the pleasure of being together .
Amy Casimer English Helen Hoffman Paris coffee-cup day persistency week