We beg that mademoiselle will pardon us the anxiety and perplexity we have caused her , and hope that a time will soon arrive when we may be ourselves . I fear the romantic interest with which the ladies have honored us will be much lessened , but we shall still remain their most humble and devoted servants . '' Something in his tone nettled Helen , and she said sharply , -- `` All this may be amusing to you , but it spoils my confidence in others to know they wear masks . Is your name also false ? '' `` I am Karl Hoffman , as surely as the sun shines , mademoiselle . Do not wound me by a doubt , '' he said , eagerly . `` And nothing more ? '' She smiled as she spoke , and glanced at his darkened skin with a shake of the head . `` I dare not answer that . '' `` No matter ; I hate titles , and value people for their own worth , not for their rank . '' Helen spoke impulsively , and , as if carried away by her words and manner , Hoffman caught her hand and pressed his lips to it ardently , dropped it , and was gone , as if fearing to trust himself a moment longer . Helen stood where he left her , thinking , with a shy glance from her hand to the spot where he had stood , -- `` It is pleasant to have one 's hand kissed , as Amy said . Poor Karl , his fate is almost as hard as Casimer 's . '' Some subtile power seemed to make the four young people shun one another carefully , though all longed to be together . The major appeared to share the secret disquiet that made the rest roam listlessly about , till little Roserl came to invite them to a fête in honor of the vintage . All were glad to go , hoping in the novelty and excitement to recover their composure . The vineyard sloped up from the chateau , and on the hillside was a small plateau of level sward , shadowed by a venerable oak now hung with garlands , while underneath danced the chateau servants with their families , to the music of a pipe played by little Friedel . As the gentlefolk approached , the revel stopped , but the major , who was in an antic mood and disposed to be gracious , bade Friedel play on , and as Mrs. Cumberland refused his hand with a glance at her weeds , the major turned to the Count 's buxom housekeeper , and besought her to waltz with him . She assented , and away they went as nimbly as the best . Amy laughed , but stopped to blush , as Casimer came up with an imploring glance , and whispered , -- `` Is it possible that I may enjoy one divine waltz with you before I go ? ''
Amy gave him her hand with a glad assent , and XXXXX was left alone .
Amy Casimer Count Cumberland Friedel Helen Karl Roserl garlands left