`` Hush , Amy , '' whispered Helen . `` Thanks , Hoffman ; we must wait now for chance to help us . '' IV A POLISH EXILE `` Room for one here , sir , '' said the guard , as the train stopped at Carlsruhe next day , on its way from Heidelberg to Baden . The major put down his guide-book , Amy opened her eyes , and Helen removed her shawl from the opposite seat , as a young man , wrapped in a cloak , with a green shade over his eyes , and a general air of feebleness , got in and sank back with a sigh of weariness or pain . Evidently an invalid , for his face was thin and pale , his dark hair cropped short , and the ungloved hand attenuated and delicate as a woman 's . A sidelong glance from under the deep shade seemed to satisfy him regarding his neighbors , and drawing his cloak about him with a slight shiver , he leaned into the corner and seemed to forget that he was not alone . Helen and Amy exchanged glances of compassionate interest , for women always pity invalids , especially if young , comely and of the opposite sex . The major took one look , shrugged his shoulders , and returned to his book . Presently a hollow cough gave Helen a pretext for discovering the nationality of the newcomer . `` Do the open windows inconvenience you , sir ? '' she asked , in English . No answer ; the question evidently unintelligible . She repeated it in French , lightly touching his cloak to arrest his attention . Instantly a smile broke over the handsome mouth , and in the purest French he assured her that the fresh air was most agreeable , and begged pardon for annoying them with his troublesome cough . `` Not an invalid , I hope , sir ? '' said the major , in his bluff yet kindly voice . `` They tell me I can have no other fate ; that my malady is fatal ; but I still hope and fight for my life ; it is all I have to give my country now . '' A stifled sigh and a sad emphasis on the last word roused the sympathy of the girls , the interest of the major . He took another survey , and said , with a tone of satisfaction , as he marked the martial carriage of the young man , and caught a fiery glance of the half-hidden eyes , -- `` You are a soldier , sir ? '' `` I was ; I am nothing now but an exile , for Poland is in chains . ''
The words `` XXXXX '' and `` exile '' brought up all the pathetic stories of that unhappy country which the three listeners had ever heard , and won their interest at once .
Amy Baden Carlsruhe English French Hoffman POLISH Poland feebleness guide-book