Oh , Nell , can I let him die alone and in exile , when I have both heart and home to give him ? '' Helen could say no more ; she kissed and comforted the faithful little soul , feeling all the while such sympathy and tenderness that she wondered at herself , for with this interest in the love of another came a sad sense of loneliness , as if she was denied the sweet experience that every woman longs to know . Amy never could remain long under a cloud , and seeing Helen 's tears , began to cheer both her cousin and herself . `` Hoffman said he might live with care , do n't you remember ? and Hoffman knows the case better than we . Let us ask him if Casimer is worse . You do it ; I ca n't without betraying myself . '' `` I will , '' and Helen felt grateful for any pretext to address a friendly word to Karl , who had looked sad of late , and had been less with them since the major became absorbed in Mrs. Cumberland . Leaving Amy to compose herself , Helen went away to find Hoffman . It was never difficult , for he seemed to divine her wishes and appear uncalled the moment he was wanted . Hardly had she reached her favorite nook in the garden when he approached with letters , and asked with respectful anxiety , as she glanced at and threw them by with an impatient sigh , -- `` Has mademoiselle any orders ? Will the ladies drive , sail , or make a little expedition ? It is fine , and mademoiselle looks as if the air would refresh her . Pardon that I make the suggestion . '' `` No , Hoffman , I do n't like the air of this place , and intend to leave as soon as possible . '' And Helen knit her delicate dark brows with an expression of great determination . `` Switzerland is the refuge of political exiles , and I hate plots and disguises ; I feel oppressed by some mystery , and mean to solve or break away from it at once . '' She stopped abruptly , longing to ask his help , yet withheld by a sudden sense of shyness in approaching the subject , though she had decided to speak to Karl of the Pole . `` Can I serve you , mademoiselle ? If so , pray command me , '' he said , eagerly , coming a step nearer .
`` You can , and I intend to ask your advice , for there can be nothing amiss in doing so , since you are a friend of XXXXX 's . ''
Amy Casimer Cumberland Helen Hoffman Nell Pole Switzerland nook shyness