Every one has some worry or other , and as for being peculiar , all foreigners seem more or less so to us , they are so unreserved and demonstrative . I like Hoffman more and more every day , and shall be sorry when I part with him . '' `` Ludmilla is his sister , then , or he did n't tell uncle the truth . It is no concern of mine ; but I wish I knew , '' thought Helen anxiously , and then wondered why she should care . A feeling of distrust had taken possession of her and she determined to be on the watch , for the unsuspicious major would be easily duped , and Helen trusted more to her own quick and keen eye than to his experience . She tried to show nothing of the change in her manner : but Hoffman perceived it , and bore it with a proud patience which often touched her heart , but never altered her purpose . VII AT FAULT Four weeks went by so rapidly that every one refused to believe it when the major stated the fact at the breakfast-table , for all had enjoyed themselves so heartily that they had been unconscious of the lapse of time . `` You are not going away , uncle ? '' cried Amy , with a panic-stricken look . `` Next week , my dear ; we must be off , for we 've much to do yet , and I promised mamma to bring you back by the end of October . '' `` Never mind Paris and the rest of it ; this is pleasanter . I 'd rather stay here -- '' There Amy checked herself and tried to hide her face behind her coffee-cup , for Casimer looked up in a way that made her heart flutter and her cheeks burn . `` Sorry for it , Amy ; but go we must , so enjoy your last week with all your might , and come again next year . '' `` It will never be again what it is now , '' sighed Amy ; and Casimer echoed the words `` next year , '' as if sadly wondering if the present year would not be his last . Helen rose silently and went into the garden , for of late she had fallen into the way of reading and working in the little pavilion which stood in an angle of the wall , overlooking lake and mountains . A seat at the opposite end of the walk was Amy 's haunt , for she liked the sun , and within a week or two something like constraint had existed between the cousins . Each seemed happier apart , and each was intent on her own affairs . Helen watched over Amy 's health , but no longer offered advice or asked confidence . She often looked anxious , and once or twice urged the major to go , as if conscious of some danger . But the worthy man seemed to have been bewitched as well as the young folks , and was quite happy sitting by the plump , placid widow , or leisurely walking with her to the chapel on the hillside .
All seemed waiting for something to break up the party , and no XXXXX had the courage to do it .
advice foreigners look manner nothing one possession rest week widow