Stanislas Prakora -- 'S . P. ' -- and Casimer is the man . '' Helen spoke with an eager , bright face , as if sure of the truth now ; but , to her surprise , Hoffman laughed , a short , irrepressible laugh , full of hearty but brief merriment . He sobered in a breath , and with an entire change of countenance said , in an embarrassed tone , -- `` Pardon my rudeness ; mademoiselle 's acuteness threw me off my guard . I can say nothing till released from my promise ; but mademoiselle may rest assured that Casimer Teblinski is as good and brave a man as Stanislas Prakora . '' Helen 's eyes sparkled , for in this reluctant reply she read confirmation of her suspicion , and thought that Amy would rejoice to learn that her lover was a hero . `` You are exiles , but still hope and plot , and never relinquish your hearts ' desire ? '' `` Never , mademoiselle ! '' `` You are in danger ? '' `` In daily peril of losing all we most love and long for , '' answered Karl , with such passion that Helen found patriotism a lovely and inspiring thing . `` You have enemies ? '' she asked , unable to control her interest , and feeling the charm of these confidences . `` Alas ! yes , '' was the mournful reply , as Karl dropped his eyes to hide the curious expression of mirth which he could not banish from them . `` Can you not conquer them , or escape the danger they place you in ? '' `` We hope to conquer , we can not escape . '' `` This accounts for your disguise and Casimer 's false name ? '' `` Yes . We beg that mademoiselle will pardon us the anxiety and perplexity we have caused her , and hope that a time will soon arrive when we may be ourselves . I fear the romantic interest with which the ladies have honored us will be much lessened , but we shall still remain their most humble and devoted servants . ''
Something in his tone nettled XXXXX , and she said sharply , -- `` All this may be amusing to you , but it spoils my confidence in others to know they wear masks .
Amy Casimer Helen Hoffman Karl Prakora Teblinski acuteness daily escape