I 'm worried about other things . Do n't ask me what , please . '' `` But I must ask . Tell me , child , what things ? Have you seen any one ? Had letters , or been annoyed in any way about -- anything ? '' My lady spoke with sudden energy and rose on her arm , eyeing the girl with unmistakable suspicion and excitement . `` No , Mamma , it 's only a foolish trouble of my own , '' answered Lillian , with a glance of surprise and a shamefaced look as the words reluctantly left her lips . `` Ah , a love trouble , nothing more ? Thank God for that ! '' And my lady sank back as if a load was off her mind . `` Tell me all , my darling ; there is no confidante like a mother . '' `` You are very kind , and perhaps you can cure my folly if I tell it , and yet I am ashamed , '' murmured the girl . Then yielding to an irresistible impulse to ask help and sympathy , she added , in an almost inaudible tone , `` I came away to escape from Paul . '' `` Because he loves you , Lillian ? '' asked my lady , with a frown and a half smile . `` Because he does not love me , Mamma . '' And the poor girl hid her burning cheeks in her hands , as if overwhelmed with maidenly shame at the implied confession of her own affection . `` My child , how is this ? I can not but be glad that he does not love you ; yet it fills me with grief to see that this pains you .
He is not a mate for you , XXXXX .
God Lillian Mamma Paul confidante energy left letters love mind