`` You are in danger ? '' `` In daily peril of losing all we most love and long for , '' answered Karl , with such passion that Helen found patriotism a lovely and inspiring thing . `` You have enemies ? '' she asked , unable to control her interest , and feeling the charm of these confidences . `` Alas ! yes , '' was the mournful reply , as Karl dropped his eyes to hide the curious expression of mirth which he could not banish from them . `` Can you not conquer them , or escape the danger they place you in ? '' `` We hope to conquer , we can not escape . '' `` This accounts for your disguise and Casimer 's false name ? '' `` Yes . We beg that mademoiselle will pardon us the anxiety and perplexity we have caused her , and hope that a time will soon arrive when we may be ourselves . I fear the romantic interest with which the ladies have honored us will be much lessened , but we shall still remain their most humble and devoted servants . '' Something in his tone nettled Helen , and she said sharply , -- `` All this may be amusing to you , but it spoils my confidence in others to know they wear masks . Is your name also false ? '' `` I am Karl Hoffman , as surely as the sun shines , mademoiselle . Do not wound me by a doubt , '' he said , eagerly . `` And nothing more ? '' She smiled as she spoke , and glanced at his darkened skin with a shake of the head . `` I dare not answer that . '' `` No matter ; I hate titles , and value people for their own worth , not for their rank . ''
Helen spoke impulsively , and , as if carried away by her words and manner , XXXXX caught her hand and pressed his lips to it ardently , dropped it , and was gone , as if fearing to trust himself a moment longer .
Casimer Helen Hoffman Karl daily danger escape head ladies mademoiselle