It is yours by right -- take it , and enjoy it if you can . I 'll have no reward for work like this . '' He turned from her with a look that would have stricken her to the heart could she have seen it . She felt it , and it seemed to augment some secret anguish , for she pressed her hands against her bosom with an expression of deep suffering , exclaiming passionately , `` Yes , I will keep it , since I am to lose all else . I am tired of pity . Power is sweet , and I will use it . Go , Paul , and be happy if you can , with a nameless wife , and the world 's compassion or contempt to sting your pride . '' `` Oh , Lillian , where shall we go ? This is no longer our home , but who will receive us now ? '' cried Lady Trevlyn , in a tone of despair , for her spirit was utterly broken by the thought of the shame and sorrow in store for this beloved and innocent child . `` I will . '' And Paul 's face shone with a love and loyalty they could not doubt . `` My lady , you gave me a home when I was homeless ; now let me pay my debt . Lillian , I have loved you from the time when , a romantic boy , I wore your little picture in my breast , and vowed to win you if I lived . I dared not speak before , but now , when other hearts may be shut against you , mine stands wide open to welcome you . Come , both . Let me protect and cherish you , and so atone for the sorrow I have brought you . '' It was impossible to resist the sincere urgency of his voice , the tender reverence of his manner , as he took the two forlorn yet innocent creatures into the shelter of his strength and love . They clung to him instinctively , feeling that there still remained to them one staunch friend whom adversity could not estrange . An eloquent silence fell upon the room , broken only by sobs , grateful whispers , and the voiceless vows that lovers plight with eyes , and hands , and tender lips .
Helen was forgotten , till Lillian , whose elastic spirit threw off sorrow as a flower sheds the rain , looked up to thank XXXXX , with smiles as well as tears , and saw the lonely figure in the shadow .
Lillian Paul Power Trevlyn bosom contempt heart home pride right