`` Upon my life , the romance has begun in earnest , '' laughed Helen , as she examined the flowers . `` You are serenaded by some unknown nightingale , and I have flowers tossed up to me in the charming old style . Of course it is the baron , Amy . '' `` I hope so ; but whoever it is , they are regular troubadours , and I 'm delighted . I know the gloves will bring us fun of some kind . Do you take one and I 'll take the other , and see who will find the baron first . Is n't it odd that they knew our names ? '' `` Amy , the writing on this card is very like that in the big book . I may be bewitched by this mid-summer moonlight , but it really is very like it . Come and see . '' The two charming heads bent over the card , looking all the more charming for the dishevelled curls and braids that hung about them as the girls laughed and whispered together in the softly brilliant light that filled the room . `` You are right ; it is the same . The men who stared so at dinner are gay students perhaps , and ready for any prank . Do n't tell uncle , but let us see what will come of it . I begin to enjoy myself heartily now -- do n't you ? '' said Amy , laying her glove carefully away . `` I enjoyed myself before , but I think ' La belle Helène ' gives an added relish to life , Amie , '' laughed Nell , putting her flowers in water ; and then both went back to their pillows , to dream delightfully till morning . II KARL , THE COURIER `` Three days , at least , before we reach Baden . How tiresome it is that uncle wo n't go faster ! '' said Amy , as she tied on her hat next morning , wondering as she did so if the baron would take the same boat .
`` As adventures have begun , I feel assured that they will continue to cheer the way ; so resign yourself and be ready for anything , '' replied XXXXX , carefully arranging her bouquet in her travelling-basket .
Amie Amy Baden Helen Helène II first mid-summer morning troubadours