It piqued her that this Helen felt no desire to meet her and chose to seclude herself , as if regardless of the interest and admiration she excited . `` I will see her in spite of her refusal , for I only caught a glimpse in the Park . Something is wrong , and I 'll discover it , for it evidently worries Paul , and perhaps I can help him . '' As this purpose sprang up in the warm but willful heart of the girl , she regained her spirits and was her most charming self while the young man stayed . They talked of many things in a pleasant , confidential manner , though when Lillian recalled that hour , she was surprised to find how little Paul had really told them of his past life or future plans . It was agreed among them to say nothing of their former relations , except to old Bedford , who was discretion itself , but to appear to the world as new-made friends -- thus avoiding unpleasant and unnecessary explanations which would only excite gossip . My lady asked him to dine , but he had business out of town and declined , taking his leave with a lingering look , which made Lillian steal away to study her face in the mirror and wonder if she looked her best , for in Paul 's eyes she had read undisguised admiration . Lady Trevlyn went to her room to rest , leaving the girl free to ride , drive , or amuse herself as she liked . As if fearing her courage would fail if she delayed , Lillian ordered the carriage , and , bidding Hester mount guard over her , she drove away to St. John 's Wood . `` Now , Hester , do n't lecture or be prim when I tell you that we are going on a frolic , '' she began , after getting the old woman into an amiable mood by every winning wile she could devise . `` I think you 'll like it , and if it 's found out I 'll take the blame . There is some mystery about Paul 's cousin , and I 'm going to find it out . '' `` Bless you , child , how ? '' `` She lives alone here , is seldom seen , and wo n't go anywhere or receive anyone . That 's not natural in a pretty girl . Paul wo n't talk about her , and , though he 's fond of her , he always looks grave and grim when I ask questions . That 's provoking , and I wo n't hear it . Maud is engaged to Raleigh , you know ; well , he confided to her that he and a friend had found out where Helen was , had gone to the next villa , which is empty , and under pretense of looking at it got a peep at the girl in her garden . I 'm going to do the same . '' `` And what am I to do ? ''
asked XXXXX , secretly relishing the prank , for she was dying with curiosity to behold Paul 's cousin .
Bedford Helen Hester Lillian Maud Paul Raleigh Trevlyn Wood hour