Come , both . Let me protect and cherish you , and so atone for the sorrow I have brought you . '' It was impossible to resist the sincere urgency of his voice , the tender reverence of his manner , as he took the two forlorn yet innocent creatures into the shelter of his strength and love . They clung to him instinctively , feeling that there still remained to them one staunch friend whom adversity could not estrange . An eloquent silence fell upon the room , broken only by sobs , grateful whispers , and the voiceless vows that lovers plight with eyes , and hands , and tender lips . Helen was forgotten , till Lillian , whose elastic spirit threw off sorrow as a flower sheds the rain , looked up to thank Paul , with smiles as well as tears , and saw the lonely figure in the shadow . Her attitude was full of pathetic significance ; she still stood on the threshold , for no one had welcomed her , and in the strange room she knew not where to go ; her hands were clasped before her face , as if those sightless eyes had seen the joy she could not share , and at her feet lay the time-stained paper that gave her a barren title , but no love . Had Lillian known how sharp a conflict between passion and pride , jealousy and generosity , was going on in that young heart , she could not have spoken in a tone of truer pity or sincerer goodwill than that in which she softly said , `` Poor girl ! We must not forget her , for , with all her wealth , she is poor compared to us . We both had one father , and should love each other in spite of this misfortune . Helen , may I call you sister ? '' `` Not yet . Wait till I deserve it . '' As if that sweet voice had kindled an answering spark of nobleness in her own heart , Helen 's face changed beautifully , as she tore the paper to shreds , saying in a glad , impetuous tone , while the white flakes fluttered from her hands , `` I , too , can be generous . I , too , can forgive . I bury the sad past . See ! I yield my claim , I destroy my proofs , I promise eternal silence , and keep ` Paul 's cousin ' for my only title . Yes , you are happy , for you love one another ! '' she cried , with a sudden passion of tears .
`` Oh , XXXXX me , pity me , and take me in , for I am all alone and in the dark ! ''
clasped destroy estrange forgive go knew share sheds spark yield