The young ladies want to know about it . '' Leaning on the railing , Hoffman told the story so well that he was kept explaining and describing for an hour , and when he went away to order lunch , Amy declared it was as pleasant as reading fairy tales to listen to his dramatic histories and legends . At lunch the major was charmed to find his favorite wines and dishes without any need of consulting dictionary or phrase-book beforehand , or losing his temper in vain attempts to make himself understood . On reaching Biebrich , tired and hungry , at nightfall , everything was ready for them , and all went to bed praising Karl , the courier , though Amy , with unusual prudence , added , -- `` He is a new broom now ; let us wait a little before we judge . '' All went well next day till nightfall , when a most untoward accident occurred , and Helen 's adventures began in earnest . The three occupied a coupé , and being weary with long sitting , Helen got out at one of the stations where the train paused for ten minutes . A rosy sunset tempted her to the end of the platform , and there she found , what nearly all foreign railway stations possess , a charming little garden . Amy was very tired , rather cross , and passionately fond of flowers , so when an old woman offered to pull a nosegay for `` the gracious lady , '' Helen gladly waited for it , hoping to please the invalid . Twice the whistle warned her , and at last she ran back , but only in time to see the train move away , with her uncle gesticulating wildly to the guard , who shook his stupid German head , and refused to see the dismayed young lady imploring him to wait for her . Just as the train was vanishing from the station , a man leaped from a second-class carriage at the risk of his neck , and hurried back to find Helen looking pale and bewildered , as well she might , left alone and moneyless at night in a strange town . `` Mademoiselle , it is I ; rest easy ; we can soon go on ; a train passes in two hours , and we can telegraph to Heidelberg that they may not fear for you . '' `` Oh , Hoffman , how kind of you to stop for me ! What should I have done without you , for uncle takes care of all the money , and I have only my watch . '' Helen 's usual self-possession rather failed her in the flurry of the moment , and she caught Karl 's arm with a feminine little gesture of confidence very pleasant to see . Leading her to the waiting-room , he ordered supper , and put her into the care of the woman of the place , while he went to make inquiries and dispatch the telegram . In half an hour he returned , finding Helen refreshed and cheerful , though a trace of anxiety was still visible in her watchful eyes . `` All goes excellently , mademoiselle . I have sent word to several posts along the road that we are coming by the night train , so that Monsieur le Major will rest tranquil till we meet . It is best that I give you some money , lest such a mishap should again occur ; it is not likely so soon ; nevertheless , here is both gold and silver . With this , one can make one 's way everywhere .
Now , if mademoiselle will permit me to advise , she will rest for an XXXXX , as we must travel till dawn .
German Heidelberg Karl Major coupé hour hours minutes nosegay phrase-book