A look of triumph was in his eyes as he swept her away to dance , as she had never danced before , for a German waltz is full of life and spirit , wonderfully captivating to English girls , and German gentlemen make it a memorable experience when they please . As they circled round the rustic ball-room , Hoffman never took his eyes off Helen 's , and , as if fascinated , she looked up at him , half conscious that he was reading her heart as she read his . He said not a word , but his face grew very tender , very beautiful in her sight , as she forgot everything except that he had saved her life and she loved him . When they paused , she was breathless and pale ; he also ; and seating her he went away to bring her a glass of wine . As her dizzy eyes grew clear , she saw a little case at her feet , and taking it up , opened it . A worn paper , containing some faded forget-me-nots and these words , fell out , -- `` Gathered where Helen sat on the night of August 10th . '' There was just time to restore its contents to the case , when Hoffman returned , saw it , and looked intensely annoyed as he asked , quickly , -- `` Did you read the name on it ? '' `` I saw only the flowers ; '' and Helen colored beautifully as she spoke . `` And read them ? '' he asked , with a look she could not meet . She was spared an answer , for just then a lad came up , saying , as he offered a note , -- `` Monsieur Hoffman , madame , at the hotel , sends you this , and begs you to come at once . '' As he impatiently opened it , the wind blew the paper into Helen 's lap . She restored it , and in the act , her quick eye caught the signature , `` Thine ever , Ludmilla . '' A slight shadow passed over her face , leaving it very cold and quiet . Hoffman saw the change , and smiled , as if well pleased , but assuming suddenly his usual manner , said deferentially , -- `` Will mademoiselle permit me to visit my friend for an hour ? -- she is expecting me . '' `` Go , then , we do not need you , '' was the brief reply , in a careless tone , as if his absence was a thing of no interest to any one . `` Thanks ; I shall not be long away ; '' and giving her a glance that made her turn scarlet with anger at its undisguised admiration , he walked away , humming gayly to himself Goethe 's lines , -- `` Maiden 's heart and city 's wall Were made to yield , were made to fall ; When we 've held them each their day , Soldier-like we march away . '' IX `` S.P. '' AND THE BARON Dinner was over , and the salon deserted by all but the two young ladies , who sat apart , apparently absorbed in novels , while each was privately longing for somebody to come , and with the charming inconsistency of the fair sex , planning to fly if certain somebodies did appear . Steps approached ; both buried themselves in their books ; both held their breath and felt their hearts flutter as they never had done before at the step of mortal man .
The door opened ; neither XXXXX up , yet each was conscious of mingled disappointment and relief when the major said , in a grave tone , `` Girls , I 've something to tell you . ''
bring caught deserted giving looked passed restored seating smiled walked