I do n't mind your knowing for you seem almost like a mother , and I thank you for it with all my heart . '' He held out his hand with the look that was irresistible to Hester . Remembering only that he was a motherless boy , she stroked the curly hair off his forehead , and kissed him , with the thought of her own son warm at her heart . `` Good night , dear . I 'll say nothing , but give you something that will ensure quiet sleep hereafter . '' With that she left him , but would have been annoyed could she have seen the convulsion of boyish merriment which took possession of him when alone , for he laughed till the tears ran down his cheeks . Chapter IV VANISHED He 's a handsome lad , and one any woman might be proud to call her son , '' said Hester to Bedford , the stately butler , as they lingered at the hall door one autumn morning to watch their young lady 's departure on her daily ride . `` You are right , Mrs. Hester , he 's a fine lad , and yet he seems above his place , though he does look the very picture of a lady 's groom , '' replied Bedford approvingly . So he did , as he stood holding the white pony of his little mistress , for the boy gave an air to whatever he wore and looked like a gentleman even in his livery . The dark-blue coat with silver buttons , the silver band about his hat , his white-topped boots and bright spurs , spotless gloves , and tightly drawn belt were all in perfect order , all becoming , and his handsome , dark face caused many a susceptible maid to blush and simper as they passed him . `` Gentleman Paul , '' as the servants called him , was rather lofty and reserved among his mates , but they liked him nonetheless , for Hester had dropped hints of his story and quite a little romance had sprung up about him . He stood leaning against the docile creature , sunk in thought , and quite unconscious of the watchers and whisperers close by . But as Lillian appeared he woke up , attended to his duties like a well-trained groom , and lingered over his task as if he liked it . Down the avenue he rode behind her , but as they turned into a shady lane Lillian beckoned , saying , in the imperious tone habitual to her , `` Ride near me . I wish to talk . '' Paul obeyed , and amused her with the chat she liked till they reached a hazel copse ; here he drew rein , and , leaping down , gathered a handful of ripe nuts for her . `` How nice . Let us rest a minute here , and while I eat a few , please pull some of those flowers for Mamma . She likes a wild nosegay better than any I can bring her from the garden . '' Lillian ate her nuts till Paul came to her with a hatful of late flowers and , standing by her , held the impromptu basket while she made up a bouquet to suit her taste .
`` You shall have a posy , too ; I like you to wear one in your buttonhole as the ladies ' grooms do in the Park , '' XXXXX the child , settling a scarlet poppy in the blue coat .
call drawn lingered made mind obeyed said spurs took woke