Why , my good soul , I have n't stirred , but have been dreaming with all my might these two hours . What do you mean , Hester ? '' She told him as she relit her lamp , and stood eyeing him sharply the while . When she finished he was silent a minute , then said , looking half vexed and half ashamed , `` I see how it is , and I 'm glad you alone have found me out . I walk in my sleep sometimes , Hester , that 's the truth . I thought I 'd got over it , but it 's come back , you see , and I 'm sorry for it . Do n't be troubled . I never do any mischief or come to any harm . I just take a quiet promenade and march back to bed again . Did I frighten you ? '' `` Just a trifle , but it 's nothing . Poor lad , you 'll have to have a bedfellow or be locked up ; it 's dangerous to go roaming about in this way , '' said Hester anxiously . `` It wo n't last long , for I 'll get more tired and then I shall sleep sounder . Do n't tell anyone , please , else they 'll laugh at me , and that 's not pleasant . 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 , '' XXXXX 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 .
Did come got please relit said sleep tell thought took