`` No ; he was wounded in the war and has been ill since . Not of a fatal malady , I own ; his cough misled you , and he has no scruples in fabling to any extent . I am not to bear the burden of his sins . '' `` Then , the romances he told us about your charity , your virtues , and -- your love of liberty were false ? '' said Helen , with a keen glance , for these tales had done much to interest her in the unknown baron . Sudden color rose to his forehead , and for the first time his eyes fell before hers , -- not in shame , but with a modest man 's annoyance at hearing himself praised . `` Sidney is enthusiastic in his friendship , and speaks too well for me . The facts are true , but he doubtless glorified the simplest by his way of telling it . Will you forgive my follies , and believe me when I promise to play and duel no more ? '' `` Yes . '' She yielded her hand now , and her eyes were full of happiness , yet she added , wistfully , -- `` And the betrothed , your cousin , Minna , -- is she , in truth , not dear to you ? '' `` Very dear , but less so than another ; for I could not learn of her in years what I learned in a day when I met you . Helen , this was begun in jest , -- it ends in solemn earnest , for I love my liberty , and I have lost it , utterly and forever . Yet I am glad ; look in my face and tell me you believe it . '' He spoke now as seriously as fervently , and with no shadow on her own , Helen brushed back the blond hair and looked into her lover 's face . Truth , tenderness , power , and candor were written there in characters that could not lie ; and with her heart upon her lips , she answered , as he drew her close , -- `` I do believe , do love you , Sigismund ! '' Meanwhile another scene was passing in the garden . Sidney , presuming upon his cousinship , took possession of Amy , bidding her `` strike but hear him . '' Of course she listened with the usual accompaniment of tears and smiles , reproaches and exclamations , varied by cruel exultations and coquettish commands to go away and never dare approach her again . '' Ma drogha , listen and be appeased .
Years ago you and I played together as babies , and our fond mammas vowed we should one XXXXX mate .
Helen Minna Sidney Sigismund cousinship day duel exultations first years