SECRET SERVICE
In a week Paul 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. Hitherto the child had led a solitary
life, with no playmates of her own age, such being
the will of my lady; therefore she welcomed Paul as
a new and delightful amusement, considering him her
private property and soon transferring his duties
from the garden to the house. Satisfied of his
merits, my lady yielded to Lillian’s demands,
and Paul was installed as page to the young lady.
Always respectful and obedient, he never forgot his
place, yet seemed unconsciously to influence all who
approached him, and win the goodwill of everyone.
My lady showed unusual interest in the lad, and Lillian
openly displayed her admiration for his accomplishments
and her affection for her devoted young servitor.
Hester was much flattered by the confidence he reposed
in her, for to her alone did he tell his story, and
of her alone asked advice and comfort in his various
small straits. It was as she suspected:
Paul was a gentleman’s son, but misfortune had
robbed him of home, friends, and parents, and thrown
him upon the world to shift for himself. This
sad story touched the woman’s heart, and the
boy’s manly spirit won respect. She had
lost a son years ago, and her empty heart yearned
over the motherless lad. Ashamed to confess the
tender feeling, she wore her usual severe manner to
him in public, but in private softened wonderfully
and enjoyed the boy’s regard heartily.
“Paul, come in. I want to speak with you
a moment,” said my lady, from the long window
of the library to the boy who was training vines outside.
Dropping his tools and pulling off his hat, Paul obeyed,
looking a little anxious, for the month of trial expired
that day. Lady Trevlyn saw and answered the look
with a gracious smile.
“Have no fears. You are to stay if you
will, for Lillian is happy and I am satisfied with
you.”
“Thank you, my lady.” And an odd
glance of mingled pride and pain shone in the boy’s
downcast eyes.
“That is settled, then. Now let me say
what I called you in for. You spoke of being
able to illuminate on parchment. Can you restore
this old book for me?”
She put into his hand the ancient volume Sir Richard
had been reading the day he died. It had lain
neglected in a damp nook for years till my lady discovered
it, and, sad as were the associations connected with
it, she desired to preserve it for the sake of the
weird prophecy if nothing else. Paul examined
it, and as he turned it to and fro in his hands it
opened at the page oftenest read by its late master.
His eye kindled as he looked, and with a quick gesture
he turned as if toward the light, in truth to hide
the flash of triumph that passed across his face.
Carefully controlling his voice, he answered in a moment,
as he looked up, quite composed, “Yes, my lady,
I can retouch the faded colors on these margins and
darken the pale ink of the Old English text. I
like the work, and will gladly do it if you like.”
