`` No ill news , I hope ? '' And the young man 's eye kindled as if he felt a crisis at hand . `` Not that I heard , sir . Miss Lillian took one of her sudden whims and would have gone alone , if my lady had n't given in much against her will , this being a time when she is better away from the place . '' `` Did they leave no message for me ? '' `` Yes , sir . Will you step in and read the note at your ease . We are in sad confusion , but this room is in order . '' Leading the way to Lillian 's boudoir , the man presented the note and retired . A few hasty lines from my lady , regretting the necessity of this abrupt departure , yet giving no reason for it , hoping they might meet next season , but making no allusion to seeing him at the Hall , desiring Lillian 's thanks and regards , but closing with no hint of Helen , except compliments . Paul smiled as he threw it into the fire , saying to himself , `` Poor lady , she thinks she has escaped the danger by flying , and Lillian tries to hide her trouble from me . Tender little heart ! I 'll comfort it without delay . '' He sat looking about the dainty room still full of tokens of her presence . The piano stood open with a song he liked upon the rack ; a bit of embroidery , whose progress he had often watched , lay in her basket with the little thimble near it ; there was a strew of papers on the writing table , torn notes , scraps of drawing , and ball cards ; a pearl-colored glove lay on the floor ; and in the grate the faded flowers he had brought two days before . As his eye roved to and fro , he seemed to enjoy some happy dream , broken too soon by the sound of servants shutting up the house . He arose but lingered near the table , as if longing to search for some forgotten hint of himself . `` No , there has been enough lock picking and stealthy work ; I 'll do no more for her sake . This theft will harm no one and tell no tales . '' And snatching up the glove , Paul departed .
`` XXXXX , the time has come .
Helen Lillian Paul allusion boudoir days fire fro strew thanks