With this fancy in her head she assumed a gracious air and chatted away in her most charming style , feeling both gay and excited , so anxious was she to please , and so glad to recover her early friend . A naughty whim seized her as her eye fell on a portfolio of classical engravings which someone had left in disorder on a table near her . Tossing them over she asked his opinion of several , and then handed him one in which Helen of Troy was represented as giving her hand to the irresistible Paris . `` Do you think her worth so much bloodshed , and deserving so much praise ? '' she asked , vainly trying to conceal the significant smile that would break loose on her lips and sparkle in her eyes . Talbot laughed the short , boyish laugh so familiar to her ears , as he glanced from the picture to the arch questioner , and answered in a tone that made her heart beat with a nameless pain and pleasure , so full of suppressed ardor was it : `` Yes ! ` All for love or the world well lost ' is a saying I heartily agree to . La belle Helene is my favorite heroine , and I regard Paris as the most enviable of men . '' `` I should like to see her . '' The wish broke from Lillian involuntarily , and she was too much confused to turn it off by any general expression of interest in the classical lady . `` You may sometime , '' answered Talbot , with an air of amusement ; adding , as if to relieve her , `` I have a poetical belief that all the lovely women of history or romance will meet , and know , and love each other in some charming hereafter . '' `` But I 'm no heroine and no beauty , so I shall never enter your poetical paradise , '' said Lillian , with a pretty affectation of regret . `` Some women are beauties without knowing it , and the heroines of romances never given to the world . I think you and Helen will yet meet , Miss Trevlyn . '' As he spoke , Mrs. Langdon beckoned , and he left her pondering over his last words , and conscious of a secret satisfaction in his implied promise that she should see his betrothed . `` How do you like him ? '' whispered Maud , slipping into the empty chair . `` Very well , '' was the composed reply ; for Lillian enjoyed her little mystery too much to spoil it yet . `` What did you say to him ? I longed to hear , for you seemed to enjoy yourselves very much , but I did n't like to be a marplot . ''
XXXXX repeated a part of the conversation , and Maud professed to be consumed with jealousy at the impression her friend had evidently made .
Helene Langdon Lillian Maud Paris Talbot Trevlyn heroines left marplot