`` How came your mother to secure him for tonight ? '' `` Mrs. Langdon is dying to make a lion of him , and begged to bring him . He is very indifferent on such things and seems intent on his own affairs . Is grave and old for his years , and does n't seem to care much for pleasure and admiration , as most men would after a youth like his , for he has had a hard time , I believe . For a wonder , he consented to come when Mrs. Langdon asked him , and I flew off at once to tell you and secure you for tonight . '' `` A thousand thanks . I meant to rest , for Mamma frets about my being so gay ; but she wo n't object to a quiet evening with you . What shall we wear ? '' And here the conversation branched off on the all-absorbing topic of dress . When Lillian joined her friend that evening , the hero had already arrived , and , stepping into a recess , she waited to catch a glimpse of him . Maud was called away , and she was alone when the crowd about the inner room thinned and permitted young Talbot to be seen . Well for Lillian that no one observed her at that moment , for she grew pale and sank into a chair , exclaiming below her breath , `` It is Paul -- my Paul ! '' She recognized him instantly , in spite of increased height , a dark moustache , and martial bearing . It was Paul , older , graver , handsomer , but still `` her Paul , '' as she called him , with a flush of pride and delight as she watched him , and felt that of all there she knew him best and loved him most . For the childish affection still existed , and this discovery added a tinge of romance that made it doubly dangerous as well as doubly pleasant . Will he know me ? 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 XXXXX and Mrs. Langdon approaching , evidently intent on presenting the hero to the heiress .
Langdon Lillian Mamma Maud Paul Talbot evening nook tinge years