cried Amy . `` Why play jokes on us ? You look so worried I know you have not told me all you know or fear . '' `` I confess I do fear that these men are political plotters as well as exiles . There are many such , and they make tools of rich and ignorant foreigners to further their ends . Uncle is rich , generous , and unsuspicious ; and I fear that while apparently serving and enjoying us they are using him . '' `` Heavens , it may be ! and that would account for the change we see in him . I thought he was in love with the widow , but that may be only a cloak to hide darker designs . Karl brought us here , and I dare say it is a den of conspirators ! '' cried Amy , feeling as if she were getting more of an adventure than she had bargained for . `` Do n't be alarmed ! I am on the watch , and mean to demand an explanation from uncle , or take you away on my own responsibility , if I can . '' Here a maid tapped to say that tea was served . `` We must go down , or some one will suspect trouble . Plead headache to excuse your paleness , and I 'll keep people away . We will manage the affair and be off as soon as possible , '' said Helen , as Amy followed her , too bewildered to answer . Casimer was not in the room , the major and Mrs. Cumberland were sipping tea side by side , and the professors roaming vaguely about . To leave Amy in peace , Helen engaged them both in a lively chat , and her cousin sat by the window trying to collect her thoughts . Some one was pacing up and down the garden , hatless , in the dew .
XXXXX forgot everything but the danger of such exposure to her reckless friend .
Amy Casimer Cumberland Helen Karl affair chat love paleness plotters