Hoffman saw the change , and smiled , as if well pleased , but assuming suddenly his usual manner , said deferentially , -- `` Will mademoiselle permit me to visit my friend for an hour ? -- she is expecting me . '' `` Go , then , we do not need you , '' was the brief reply , in a careless tone , as if his absence was a thing of no interest to any one . `` Thanks ; I shall not be long away ; '' and giving her a glance that made her turn scarlet with anger at its undisguised admiration , he walked away , humming gayly to himself Goethe 's lines , -- `` Maiden 's heart and city 's wall Were made to yield , were made to fall ; When we 've held them each their day , Soldier-like we march away . '' IX `` S.P. '' AND THE BARON Dinner was over , and the salon deserted by all but the two young ladies , who sat apart , apparently absorbed in novels , while each was privately longing for somebody to come , and with the charming inconsistency of the fair sex , planning to fly if certain somebodies did appear . Steps approached ; both buried themselves in their books ; both held their breath and felt their hearts flutter as they never had done before at the step of mortal man . The door opened ; neither looked up , yet each was conscious of mingled disappointment and relief when the major said , in a grave tone , `` Girls , I 've something to tell you . '' `` We know what it is , sir , '' returned Helen , coolly . `` I beg your pardon , but you do n't , my dear , as I will prove in five minutes , if you will give me your attention . '' The major looked as if braced up to some momentous undertaking ; and planting himself before the two young ladies , dashed bravely into the subject . `` Girls , I 've played a bold game , but I 've won it , and will take the consequences . '' `` They will fall heaviest on you , uncle , '' said Helen , thinking he was about to declare his love for the widow . The major laughed , shrugged his shoulders , and answered , stoutly , -- `` I 'll bear them ; but you are quite wrong , my dear , in your surmises , as you will soon see . Helen is my ward , and accountable to me alone . Amy 's mother gave her into my charge , and wo n't reproach me for anything that has passed when I explain matters . As to the lads they must take care of themselves . '' Suddenly both girls colored , fluttered , and became intensely interested . The major 's eyes twinkled as he assumed a perfectly impassive expression , and rapidly delivered himself of the following thunderbolt , -- `` Girls , you have been deceived , and the young men you love are impostors . '' `` I thought so , '' muttered Helen , grimly . `` Oh , uncle , do n't , do n't say that ! ''
cried XXXXX , despairingly .
Amy Dinner Goethe Hoffman day fall hour impostors minutes thunderbolt