There were few relatives to make investigations , and friends soon forgot the sad young widow ; so the years rolled on , and Lillian the heiress grew from infancy to childhood in the shadow of this mystery . Chapter II PAUL `` Come , child , the dew is falling , and it is time we went in . '' `` No , no , Mamma is not rested yet , so I may run down to the spring if I like . '' And Lillian , as willful as winsome , vanished among the tall ferns where deer couched and rabbits hid . 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 XXXXX .
Chapter Come Hester Lillian Mamma day deary keepers stroller years