With a sudden gesture he took her hand saying , impulsively , `` How little changed you are ! Do you remember that last ride of ours nearly five years ago ? '' `` Yes , Paul , '' she answered , with averted eyes . `` And what we talked of ? '' `` A part of that childish gossip I remember well . '' `` Which part ? '' `` The pretty little romance you told me . '' And Lillian looked up now , longing to ask if Helen 's childhood had been blighted like her youth . Paul dropped her hand as if he , read her thoughts , and his own hand went involuntarily toward his breast , betraying that the locket still hung there . `` What did I say ? '' he asked , smiling at her sudden shyness . `` You vowed you 'd win and wed your fair little lady-love if you lived . '' `` And so I will , '' he cried , with sudden fire in his eyes . `` What , marry her ? '' `` Aye , that I will . '' `` Oh Paul , will you tie yourself for life to a -- '' The word died on her lips , but a gesture of repugnance finished the speech . `` A what ? '' he demanded , excitedly . `` An innocent , one bereft of reason , '' stammered Lillian , entirely forgetting herself in her interest for him . `` Of whom do you speak ? ''
XXXXX Paul , looking utterly bewildered , `` Of poor Helen . ''
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