`` 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 Trevlyn , lifting her eyes from the note and scanning the boy 's face . `` I do , madam , '' he answered respectfully . `` The colonel says you are English , '' added the lady , in a tone of surprise . The boy smiled , showing a faultless set of teeth , as he replied , `` I am , my lady , though just now I may not look it , being much tanned and very dusty . My father was an Englishman , but I 've lived abroad a good deal since he died , and got foreign ways , perhaps . '' As he spoke without any accent , and looked full in her face with a pair of honest blue eyes under the dark lashes , Lady Trevlyn 's momentary doubt vanished . `` Your age , Paul ? '' `` Sixteen , my lady . '' `` You understand gardening ? '' `` Yes , my lady . '' `` And what else ? '' `` I can break horses , serve at table , do errands , read aloud , ride after a young lady as groom , illuminate on parchment , train flowers , and make myself useful in any way . '' The tone , half modest , half eager , in which the boy spoke , as well as the odd list of his accomplishments , brought a smile to Lady Trevlyn 's lips , and the general air of the lad prepossessed her . `` I want Lillian to ride soon , and Roger is rather old for an escort to such a little horsewoman .
Do n't you think we might try XXXXX ? ''
Daventry English Englishman Jex Lillian Paul Roger Trevlyn months week