she thought , glancing at a mirror which reflected a slender figure with bright hair , white arms , and brilliant eyes ; a graceful little head , proudly carried , and a sweet mouth , just then very charming , as it smiled till pearly teeth shone between the ruddy lips . I 'm glad I 'm not ugly , and I hope he 'll like me , she thought , as she smoothed the golden ripples on her forehead , settled her sash , and shook out the folds of her airy dress in a flutter of girlish excitement . `` I 'll pretend not to know him , when we meet , and see what he will do , '' she said , with a wicked sense of power ; for being forewarned she was forearmed , and , fearing no betrayal of surprise on her own part , was eager to enjoy any of which he might be guilty . Leaving her nook , she joined a group of young friends and held herself prepared for the meeting . Presently she saw Maud and Mrs. Langdon approaching , evidently intent on presenting the hero to the heiress . `` Mr. Talbot , Miss Trevlyn , '' said the lady . And looking up with a well-assumed air of indifference , Lillian returned the gentleman 's bow with her eyes fixed full upon his face . Not a feature of that face changed , and so severely unconscious of any recognition was it that the girl was bewildered . For a moment she fancied she had been mistaken in his identity , and a pang of disappointment troubled her ; but as he moved a chair for Maud , she saw on the one ungloved hand a little scar which she remembered well , for he received it in saving her from a dangerous fall . At the sight all the happy past rose before her , and if her telltale eyes had not been averted they would have betrayed her . A sudden flush of maidenly shame dyed her cheek as she remembered that last ride , and the childish confidences then interchanged . This Helen was the little sweetheart whose picture he wore , and now , in spite of all obstacles , he had won both fortune and ladylove . The sound of his voice recalled her thoughts , and glancing up she met the deep eyes fixed on her with the same steady look they used to wear . He had addressed her , but what he said she knew not , beyond a vague idea that it was some slight allusion to the music going on in the next room . With a smile which would serve for an answer to almost any remark , she hastily plunged into conversation with a composure that did her credit in the eyes of her friends , who stood in awe of the young hero , for all were but just out . `` Mr. Talbot hardly needs an introduction here , for his name is well-known among us , though this is perhaps his first visit to England ? '' she said , flattering herself that this artful speech would entrap him into the reply she wanted . With a slight frown , as if the allusion to his adventure rather annoyed him , and a smile that puzzled all but Lillian , he answered very simply , `` It is not my first visit to this hospitable island . I was here a few years ago , for a short time , and left with regret . '' `` Then you have old friends here ? ''
And XXXXX watched him as she spoke .
England Helen Langdon Lillian Maud Talbot Trevlyn first ladylove pang