Hester leisurely followed , looking as unchanged as if a day instead of twelve years had passed since her arms received the little mistress , who now ruled her like a tyrant . She had taken but a few steps when the child came flying back , exclaiming in an excited tone , `` Oh , come quick ! There 's a man there , a dead man . I saw him and I 'm frightened ! '' `` Nonsense , child , it 's one of the keepers asleep , or some stroller who has no business here . Take my hand and we 'll see who it is . '' Somewhat reassured , Lillian led her nurse to one of the old oaks beside the path , and pointed to a figure lying half hidden in the fern . A slender , swarthy boy of sixteen , with curly black hair , dark brows , and thick lashes , 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 worn , and his possessions contained in the little bundle on which he pillowed his head . He was sleeping like one quite spent with weariness , and never stirred , though Hester bent away the ferns and examined him closely . `` He 's not dead , my deary ; he 's asleep , poor lad , worn out with his day 's tramp , I dare say . '' `` I 'm glad he 's alive , and I wish he 'd wake up . He 's a pretty boy , is n't he ? See what nice hands he 's got , and his hair is more curly than mine . Make him open his eyes , Hester , '' commanded the little lady , whose fear had given place to interest . `` Hush , he 's stirring . I wonder how he got in , and what he wants , '' whispered Hester . `` I 'll ask him , '' and before her nurse could arrest her , Lillian drew a tall fern softly over the sleeper 's face , laughing aloud as she did so . The boy woke at the sound , and without stirring lay looking up at the lovely little face bent over him , as if still in a dream . '' Bella cara , '' he said , in a musical voice .
Then , as the child drew back abashed at the glance of his large , bright eyes , he seemed to wake entirely and , springing to his feet , looked at XXXXX with a quick , searching glance .
Hester Lillian cara day deary keepers mine stroller weariness years