Helen lost patience , and in order to show how much she had discovered , rapidly told the story of the gloves , ring , handkerchief , prayer-book and collar , omitting all hint of the girlish romance they had woven about these things . As she ended , Hoffman looked up with a curious expression , in which confusion , amusement , admiration and annoyance seemed to contend . `` Mademoiselle , '' he said , gravely , `` I am about to prove to you that I feel honored by the confidence you place in me . I can not break my word , but I will confess to you that Casimer does not bear his own name . '' `` I knew it ! '' said Helen , with a flash of triumph in her eyes . `` He is the baron , and no Pole . You Germans love masquerades and jokes . This is one , but I must spoil it before it is played out . '' `` Pardon ; mademoiselle is keen , but in this she is mistaken . Casimer is not the baron ; he did fight for Poland , and his name is known and honored there . Of this I solemnly assure you . '' She stood up and looked him straight in the face . He met her eye to eye , and never wavered till her own fell . She mused a few minutes , entirely forgetful of herself in her eagerness to solve the mystery . Hoffman stood so near that her dress touched him , and the wind blew her scarf against his hand ; and as she thought he watched her while his eyes kindled , his color rose , and once he opened his lips to speak , but she moved at the instant , and exclaimed , -- `` I have it ! '' `` Now for it , '' he muttered , as if preparing for some new surprise or attack . `` When uncle used to talk about the Polish revolution , there was , I remember a gallant young Pole who did something brave . The name just flashed on me , and it clears up my doubts . Stanislas Prakora -- 'S .
P. ' -- and XXXXX is the man . ''
Casimer Helen Hoffman Mademoiselle Poland Polish Prakora attack minutes prayer-book