What wind blows thee hither , my boy , in such sad plight ? '' replied Hoffman , grasping the slender hand outstretched to him . `` I fly from an enemy for the first time in my life , and , like all cowards , shall be conquered in the end . I wrote thee I was better , but the wound in the breast reopened , and nothing but a miracle will save me . I go to Switzerland ; and thou ? '' `` Where my master commands . I serve this gentleman , now . '' `` Hard changes for both , but with health thou art king of circumstances , while I ? -- Ah well , the good God knows best . Karl , go thou and buy me two of those pretty baskets of grapes ; I will please myself by giving them to these pitying angels . Speak they German ? '' `` One , the elder ; but they understand not this rattle of ours . '' Karl disappeared , and Helen , who had understood the rapid dialogue , tried to seem as unconscious as Amy . `` Say a friendly word to me at times ; I am so homesick and faint-hearted , my Hoffman . Thanks ; they are almost worthy the lips that shall taste them . '' Taking the two little osier baskets , laden with yellow and purple clusters , Casimer offered them , with a charming mixture of timidity and grace , to the girls , saying , like a grateful boy , -- `` You give me kind words and good hopes ; permit that I thank you in this poor way . '' `` I drink success to Poland . '' cried Helen , lifting a great , juicy grape to her lips , like a little purple goblet , hoping to hide her confusion under a playful air . The grapes went round , and healths were drunk with much merriment , for in travelling on the Continent it is impossible for the gruffest , primmest person to long resist the frank courtesy and vivacious chat of foreigners . The major was unusually social and inquisitive , and while the soldiers fought their battles over again the girls listened and took notes , with feminine wits on the alert to catch any personal revelations which might fall from the interesting stranger .
The wrongs and sufferings of XXXXX were discussed so eloquently that both young ladies were moved to declare the most undying hatred of Russia , Prussia , and Austria , the most intense sympathy for `` poor Pologne . ''
Amy German Helen Karl Poland Switzerland cowards fall gruffest osier