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 , 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 XXXXX in on a certain June day , it would have seen a droll but pleasant sight , for somebody evidently was going to have a party .
See call changed forget gave heard looked sealed take threw