And Paul looked up at the blooming little face with unusual softness in his keen blue eyes . `` Is it ? Why , then , you 're seventeen ; almost a man , are n't you ? '' `` Yes , thank heaven , '' muttered the boy , half to himself . `` I wish I was as old . I sha n't be in my teens till autumn . I must give you something , Paul , because I like you very much , and you are always doing kind things for me . What shall it be ? '' And the child held out her hand with a cordial look and gesture that touched the boy . With one of the foreign fashions which sometimes appeared when he forgot himself , he kissed the small hand , saying impulsively , `` My dear little mistress , I want nothing but your goodwill -- and your forgiveness , '' he added , under his breath . `` You have that already , Paul , and I shall find something to add to it . But what is that ? '' And she laid hold of a little locket which had slipped into sight as Paul bent forward in his salute . He thrust it back , coloring so deeply that the child observed it , and exclaimed , with a mischievous laugh , `` It is your sweetheart , Paul . I heard Bessy , my maid , tell Hester she was sure you had one because you took no notice of them . Let me see it . Is she pretty ? '' `` Very pretty , '' answered the boy , without showing the picture . `` Do you like her very much ? '' questioned Lillian , getting interested in the little romance .
`` Very much , '' and XXXXX 's black eyelashes fell .
Bessy Hester Lillian Paul locket notice romance sight something sweetheart