`` It was to spare myself . Oh , Mamma , he loves Helen , and will marry her although she is blind . He told me this , with a look I could not doubt , and so I came away to hide my sorrow , '' sobbed poor Lillian in despair . Lady Trevlyn went to her and , laying the bright head on her motherly bosom , said soothingly as she caressed it , `` My little girl , it is too soon for you to know these troubles , and I am punished for yielding to your entreaties for a peep at the gay world . It is now too late to spare you this ; you have had your wish and must pay its price , dear . But , Lillian , call pride to aid you , and conquer this fruitless love . It can not be very deep as yet , for you have known Paul , the man , too short a time to be hopelessly enamored . Remember , there are others , better , braver , more worthy of you ; that life is long , and full of pleasure yet untried . '' `` Have no fears for me , Mamma . I 'll not disgrace you or myself by any sentimental folly . I do love Paul , but I can conquer it , and I will . Give me a little time , and you shall see me quite myself again . '' Lillian lifted her head with an air of proud resolve that satisfied her mother , and with a grateful kiss stole away to ease her full heart alone . As she disappeared Lady Trevlyn drew a long breath and , clasping her hands with a gesture of thanksgiving , murmured to herself in an accent of relief , `` Only a love sorrow ! I feared it was some new terror like the old one . Seventeen years of silence , seventeen years of secret dread and remorse for me , '' she said , pacing the room with tightly locked hands and eyes full of unspeakable anguish . `` Oh , Richard , Richard ! I forgave you long ago , and surely I have expiated my innocent offense by these years of suffering ! For her sake I did it , and for her sake I still keep dumb . God knows I ask nothing for myself but rest and oblivion by your side . ''
Half an hour later , XXXXX stood at the hall door .
Helen Lillian Mamma Paul Richard Trevlyn disgrace entreaties life years