She mused a few minutes , entirely forgetful of herself in her eagerness to solve the mystery . Hoffman stood so near that her dress touched him , and the wind blew her scarf against his hand ; and as she thought he watched her while his eyes kindled , his color rose , and once he opened his lips to speak , but she moved at the instant , and exclaimed , -- `` I have it ! '' `` Now for it , '' he muttered , as if preparing for some new surprise or attack . `` When uncle used to talk about the Polish revolution , there was , I remember a gallant young Pole who did something brave . The name just flashed on me , and it clears up my doubts . Stanislas Prakora -- 'S . P. ' -- and Casimer is the man . '' Helen spoke with an eager , bright face , as if sure of the truth now ; but , to her surprise , Hoffman laughed , a short , irrepressible laugh , full of hearty but brief merriment . He sobered in a breath , and with an entire change of countenance said , in an embarrassed tone , -- `` Pardon my rudeness ; mademoiselle 's acuteness threw me off my guard . I can say nothing till released from my promise ; but mademoiselle may rest assured that Casimer Teblinski is as good and brave a man as Stanislas Prakora . '' Helen 's eyes sparkled , for in this reluctant reply she read confirmation of her suspicion , and thought that Amy would rejoice to learn that her lover was a hero . `` You are exiles , but still hope and plot , and never relinquish your hearts ' desire ? '' `` Never , mademoiselle ! '' `` 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 XXXXX . ''
Amy Casimer Helen Hoffman Karl Pole Polish Prakora attack escape