The Mysterious Key And What It Opened

w is falling, and it

spring if I like." And Lillian, as willful as winsome, vani

ved the little mistress, who now ruled her like a tyrant. She had taken but a few steps when the child came flying

sleep, or some stroller who has no business

ashes, a singularly stern mouth, and a general expression of strength and pride, which added character to his boyish face and dignified his poverty. His dress betrayed that, being dusty and threadbare, his shoes much w

e, and I wish he'd wake up. He's a pretty boy, isn't he? See what nice hands he's got, and his hair is more curl

der how he got in, and what

st her, Lillian drew a tall fern softly over th

rring lay looking up at the lovely little

he seemed to wake entirely and, springing to his feet, looked at Hester with a quick, searching glance. Something in his

's answer, as he stood cap in hand, with

urgent you had better see Parks, the keepe

ventry; and as it is not a trifle, I

ied out, "Mamma is close by, come and see h

nd Hester brought up the rear, taking n

n a rustic seat with a book in her hand; not reading, but musing with an absent mind. As

illian, rather at a loss how to designate the s

y, my lady," and with a bow

g at him, she op

ar Fr

e, even after we leave, as we do in a week. When I last saw you you mentioned wanting a lad to help in the garden; Paul is accustomed to that employment, though my wife used him

sinc

. Da

e it to you, if you incline to take it," said Lady Trevlyn,

" he answered

e English," added the la

h just now I may not look it, being much tanned and very dusty. My father was an Engli

her face with a pair of honest blue eyes under the

age,

en, my

rstand ga

my l

what

oud, ride after a young lady as groom, illuminate on par

l as the odd list of his accomplishments, brought a smile to Lady

for an escort to such a little horsewoman. Don't you

k her head, but an imploring little gesture and a glance o

the place, and Parks thinks he's stea

she looked up at her new groom, "I know he'll do, Mamma. I like him ver

es

away from the eager little face before him, and

clodhopper's son, I can tell by his hands and feet, his air and walk. Poor lad, it's

take him to Parks and see that he is made comfortable. Tomorro

hing her, as if forgetful of his companion, till she said, rather tartly, "Young man, you'd better have thanked my lad

eep?" was the unexpected reply to her speech, as the bo

got in, and why you were napping there,

nting myself, Miss Hester" was the cool answer, acco

'd had a long walk;

ndo

y! It's fifty

ut it's a pleasant t

walk, child! Ha

own stout legs could carry me. I took a two day

get on, my lad, if that's your way, and I'll lend a hand, f

I'll prove that I am grateful.

ate since Sir

g ago wa

ears o

oung gentlemen

an only child, and a

tle lady, I

tter blood in England than the Trevlyns

tly, pointing to a stone falcon with the motto ME AND M

hy do y

ese things for my own pleasure. One learns odd amusements abroad

nd report yourself to the keeper, and if you'll take my a

of gossip." And the boy nodded with a smile of misc

ings than a child, and Lillian cares for nothing but her own will. He has a taking way with him, though, an

ul to win the good graces of the keeper, which he speedily did by ass

he falcon and motto, directed it to "Father Cosmo Carmela, Genoa," and lay down to sleep, muttering, with a grim look and a heavy sigh, "So fa