`` No , Miss Lillian is an only child , and a sweet one , bless her ! '' `` A proud little lady , I should say . '' `` And well she may be , for there 's no better blood in England than the Trevlyns , and she 's heiress to a noble fortune . '' `` Is that the Trevlyn coat of arms ? '' asked the boy abruptly , pointing to a stone falcon with the motto ME AND MINE carved over the gate through which they were passing . `` Yes . Why do you ask ? '' `` Mere curiosity ; I know something of heraldry and often paint these things for my own pleasure . One learns odd amusements abroad , '' he added , seeing an expression of surprise on the woman 's face . `` You 'll have little time for such matters here . Come in and report yourself to the keeper , and if you 'll take my advice ask no questions of him , for you 'll get no answers . '' `` I seldom ask questions of men , as they are not fond of gossip . '' And the boy nodded with a smile of mischievous significance as he entered the keeper 's lodge . A sharp lad and a saucy , if he likes . I 'll keep my eye on him , for my lady takes no more thought of such things than a child , and Lillian cares for nothing but her own will . He has a taking way with him , though , and knows how to flatter . It 's well he does , poor lad , for life 's a hard matter to a friendless soul like him . As she thought these thoughts Hester went on to the house , leaving Paul to win the good graces of the keeper , which he speedily did by assuming an utterly different manner from that he had worn with the woman . That night , when the boy was alone in his own room , he wrote a long letter in Italian describing the events of the day , enclosed a sketch of the 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 far so well ; I 'll not let my heart be softened by pity , or my purpose change till my promise is kept . Pretty child , I wish I had never seen her ! ''
Chapter III SECRET SERVICE In a week XXXXX was a favorite with the household ; even prudent Hester felt the charm of his presence , and owned that Lillian was happier for a young companion in her walks .
England Genoa Hester Italian Lillian Paul Trevlyn Trevlyns heraldry night