You are not a wild young man , so you can be trusted there . '' `` I hope so . Now you are a sensible little woman , and we 'll do our best to have a gay time . Wait an instant till I get my hat . '' While the major searched for the missing article the girls went on , and coming to the door , Amy tried to open it . The unwieldy foreign lock resisted her efforts , and she was just giving it an impatient little shake , when a voice said behind her , -- `` Permit me , mademoiselle ; '' at the same moment a handsome hand turned the latch , the flash of a diamond shone before her , and the door opened . '' Merci , monsieur , '' she murmured , turning as she went out ; but Helen was close behind her , and no one else to be seen except the massive major in the rear . `` Did you see the baron ? '' she whispered eagerly , as they went up-stairs . `` No ; where was he ? '' `` He opened the door for me . I knew him by his hand and ring . He was close to you . '' `` I did not observe him , being busy gathering up my dress . I thought the person was a waiter , and never looked at him , '' said Helen , with provoking indifference . `` How unfortunate ! Uncle , you are going to see the fortress ; we do n't care for it ; but I want you to take these gloves and inquire for Baron Sigismund Palsdorf . He will be there with a party of gentlemen . You can easily manage it , men are so free and easy . Mind what he is like , and come home in time to tell me all about it . ''
Away went the major , and the cousins sat on the balcony enjoying the lovely night , admiring the picturesque scene , and indulging in the flights of fancy all girls love , for XXXXX , in spite of her three-and-twenty years , was as romantic as Amy at eighteen .
Amy Helen Merci Palsdorf flash girls lock mademoiselle shake up-stairs