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 . `` Helen , the time has come . Are you ready ? '' he asked , entering her room an hour later . `` I am ready . '' And rising , she stretched her hand to him with a proud expression , contrasting painfully with her helpless gesture . `` They have gone to the Hall , and we must follow . It is useless to wait longer ; we gain nothing by it , and the claim must stand on such proof as we have , or fall for want of that one link . I am tired of disguise . I want to be myself and enjoy what I have won , unless I lose it all . ''
`` XXXXX , whatever happens , remember we cling together and share good or evil fortune as we always have done .
Helen Lillian Paul allusion days fall fire fro strew thanks