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 Hester with a quick , searching glance . Something in his face and air caused the woman to soften her tone a little , as she said gravely , `` Did you wish to see any one at the Hall ? '' `` Yes . Is Lady Trevlyn here ? '' was the boy 's answer , as he stood cap in hand , with the smile fading already from his face . `` She is , but unless your business is very urgent you had better see Parks , the keeper ; we do n't trouble my lady with trifles . '' `` I 've a note for her from Colonel Daventry ; and as it is not a trifle , I 'll deliver it myself , if you please . '' Hester hesitated an instant , but Lillian cried out , `` Mamma is close by , come and see her , '' and led the way , beckoning as she ran . The lad followed with a composed air , and Hester brought up the rear , taking notes as she went with a woman 's keen eye . Lady Trevlyn , a beautiful , pale woman , delicate in health and melancholy in spirit , sat on a rustic seat with a book in her hand ; not reading , but musing with an absent mind . As the child approached , she held out her hand to welcome her , but neither smiled nor spoke . `` Mamma , here is a -- a person to see you , '' cried Lillian , rather at a loss how to designate the stranger , whose height and gravity now awed her . `` A note from Colonel Daventry , my lady , '' and with a bow the boy delivered the missive . Scarcely glancing at him , she opened it and read : My Dear Friend , The bearer of this , Paul Jex , has been with me some months and has served me well . I brought him from Paris , but he is English born , and , though friendless , prefers to remain here , 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 as a sort of page in the house . Hoping you may be able to give him shelter , I venture to send him . He is honest , capable , and trustworthy in all respects .
Pray try him , and oblige , Yours sincerely , J. R. Daventry `` The place is still vacant , and I shall be very glad to give it to you , if you incline to take it , '' said Lady XXXXX , lifting her eyes from the note and scanning the boy 's face .
Daventry Hester Jex Paris Parks Trevlyn cara months trifles week