At Coblentz , when you sat in the balcony , two young men overheard Amy sigh for adventures , and Helen advise making a romance out of the gloves one of the lads had dropped . They had seen you by day ; both admired you , and being idle , gay young fellows , they resolved to devote their vacation to gratifying your wishes and enjoying themselves . We met at the Fortress ; I knew one of them , and liked the other immensely ; so when they confided their scheme to me I agreed to help them carry it out , as I had perfect confidence in both , and thought a little adventure or two would do you good . '' `` Uncle , you were mad , '' said Helen ; and Amy added , tragically , -- `` You do n't know what trouble has come of it . '' `` Perhaps I was ; that remains to be proved . I do know everything , and fail to see any trouble , so do n't cry , little girl , '' briskly replied the inexplicable major . `` Well , we had a merry time planning our prank . One of the lads insisted on playing courier , though I objected . He 'd done it before , liked the part , and would have his way . The other could n't decide , being younger and more in love ; so we left him to come into the comedy when he was ready . Karl did capitally , as you will allow ; and I am much attached to him , for in all respects he has been true to his word . He began at Coblentz ; the other , after doing the mysterious at Heidelberg , appeared as an exile , and made quick work with the prejudices of my well-beloved nieces -- hey , Amy ? '' `` Go on ; who are they ? '' cried both girls , breathlessly . `` Wait a bit ; I 'm not bound to expose the poor fellows to your scorn and anger . No ; if you are going to be high and haughty , to forget their love , refuse to forgive their frolic , and rend their hearts with reproaches , better let them remain unknown . '' `` No , no ; we will forget and forgive , only speak ! '' was the command of both . `` You promise to be lenient and mild , to let them confess their motives , and to award a gentle penance for their sins ? '' `` Yes , we promise ! ''
`` Then , XXXXX in , my lads , and plead for your lives . ''
added allow come decide met promise proved remains said seen