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 Paul ? '' she said , turning to Hester . The woman gravely eyed the lad from head to foot , and shook her head , but an imploring little gesture and a glance of the handsome eyes softened her heart in spite of herself . `` Yes , my lady , if he does well about the place , and Parks thinks he 's steady enough , we might try it by-and-by . '' Lillian clapped her hands and , drawing nearer , exclaimed confidingly , as she looked up at her new groom , `` I know he 'll do , Mamma . I like him very much , and I hope you 'll let him train my pony for me . Will you , Paul ? '' `` Yes . '' As he spoke very low and hastily , the boy looked away from the eager little face before him , and a sudden flush of color crossed his dark cheek .
Hester saw it and XXXXX within herself , `` That boy has good blood in his veins .
brought eyed looked make read replied said smiled spoke train