Remember this , and forget the transient regard that has sprung up from that early intimacy of yours . '' `` He is wellborn , and now my equal in fortune , and oh , so much my superior in all gifts of mind and heart , '' sighed the girl , still with hidden face , for tears were dropping through her slender fingers . `` It may be , but there is a mystery about him ; and I have a vague dislike to him in spite of all that has passed . But , darling , are you sure he does not care for you ? I fancied I read a different story in his face , and when you begged to leave town so suddenly , I believed that you had seen this also , and kindly wished to spare him any pain . '' `` It was to spare myself . Oh , Mamma , he loves Helen , and will marry her although she is blind . He told me this , with a look I could not doubt , and so I came away to hide my sorrow , '' sobbed poor Lillian in despair . Lady Trevlyn went to her and , laying the bright head on her motherly bosom , said soothingly as she caressed it , `` My little girl , it is too soon for you to know these troubles , and I am punished for yielding to your entreaties for a peep at the gay world . It is now too late to spare you this ; you have had your wish and must pay its price , dear . But , Lillian , call pride to aid you , and conquer this fruitless love . It can not be very deep as yet , for you have known Paul , the man , too short a time to be hopelessly enamored . Remember , there are others , better , braver , more worthy of you ; that life is long , and full of pleasure yet untried . '' `` Have no fears for me , Mamma . I 'll not disgrace you or myself by any sentimental folly . I do love Paul , but I can conquer it , and I will . Give me a little time , and you shall see me quite myself again . '' Lillian lifted her head with an air of proud resolve that satisfied her mother , and with a grateful kiss stole away to ease her full heart alone . As she disappeared Lady Trevlyn drew a long breath and , clasping her hands with a gesture of thanksgiving , murmured to herself in an accent of relief , `` Only a love sorrow ! I feared it was some new terror like the old one .
Seventeen years of silence , seventeen years of secret dread and remorse for me , '' she XXXXX , pacing the room with tightly locked hands and eyes full of unspeakable anguish .
aid care caressed doubt know lifted read said spare sprung