God knows I would have spared her this blow if I could ; but Helen would not keep silent , and I was driven to finish what I had begun . Tell Lillian this , and do not let her hate me . '' As Paul spoke , tenderly , eagerly , the curtain parted , and Lillian appeared , trembling with the excitement of that interview , but conscious of only one emotion as she threw herself into his arms , crying in a tone of passionate delight , `` Brother ! Brother ! Now I may love you ! '' Paul held her close , and for a moment forgot everything but the joy of that moment . Lillian spoke first , looking up through tears of tenderness , her little hand laid caressingly against his cheek , as she whispered with sudden bloom in her own , `` Now I know why I loved you so well , and now I can see you marry Helen without breaking my heart . Oh , Paul , you are still mine , and I care for nothing else . '' `` But , Lillian , I am not your brother . '' `` Then , in heaven 's name , who are you ? '' she cried , tearing herself from his arms . `` Your lover , dear ! '' `` Who , then , is the heir ? '' demanded Lady Trevlyn , springing up , as Lillian turned to seek shelter with her mother . `` I am . '' Helen spoke , and Helen stood on the threshold of the door , with a hard , haughty look upon her beautiful face . `` You told your story badly , Paul , '' she said , in a bitter tone . `` You forgot me , forgot my affliction , my loneliness , my wrongs , and the natural desire of a child to clear her mother 's honor and claim her father 's name . I am Sir Richard 's eldest daughter . I can prove my birth , and I demand my right with his own words to sustain me . ''
She paused , but no one spoke ; and with a slight tremor in her proud voice , she added , `` XXXXX has done the work ; he shall have the reward .
Brother Helen Lillian Paul Richard Sir Trevlyn emotion first right