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 , forgive me , pity me , and take me in , for I am all alone and in the dark ! '' There could be but one reply to an appeal like that , and they gave it , as they welcomed her with words that sealed a household league of mutual secrecy and sacrifice . CHAPTER I A MYSTERIOUS DOG The elm-tree avenue was all overgrown , the great gate was never unlocked , and the old house had been shut up for several years . Yet voices were heard about the place , the lilacs nodded over the high wall as if they said , `` We could tell fine secrets if we chose , '' and the mullein outside the gate made haste to reach the keyhole , that it might peep in and see what was going on . If it had suddenly grown up like a magic bean-stalk , and looked in on a certain June day , it would have seen a droll but pleasant sight , for somebody evidently was going to have a party . From the gate to the porch went a wide walk , paved with smooth slabs of dark stone , and bordered with the tall bushes which met overhead , making a green roof . All sorts of neglected flowers and wild weeds grew between their stems , covering the walls of this summer parlor with the prettiest tapestry . A board , propped on two blocks of wood , stood in the middle of the walk , covered with a little plaid shawl much the worse for wear , and on it a miniature tea-service was set forth with great elegance .
To be sure , the tea-pot had lost its spout , the cream-jug its handle , the sugar-bowl its cover , and the cups and plates were all more or less cracked or nicked ; but polite persons would not XXXXX notice of these trifling deficiencies , and none but polite persons were invited to this party .
See changed covered forget grew propped said spark stood take