`` I leaped the fence and stopped to rest before presenting myself , Miss Hester '' was the cool answer , accompanied by a short laugh as he confessed his trespass . `` You look as if you 'd had a long walk ; where are you from ? '' `` London . '' `` Bless the boy ! It 's fifty miles away . '' `` So my shoes show ; but it 's a pleasant trip in summer time . '' `` But why did you walk , child ! Had you no money ? '' `` Plenty , but not for wasting on coaches , when my own stout legs could carry me . I took a two days ' holiday and saved my money for better things . '' `` I like that , '' said Hester , with an approving nod . `` You 'll get on , my lad , if that 's your way , and I 'll lend a hand , for laziness is my abomination , and one sees plenty nowadays . '' `` Thank you . That 's friendly , and I 'll prove that I am grateful . Please tell me , is my lady ill ? '' `` Always delicate since Sir Richard died . '' `` How long ago was that ? '' `` Ten years or more . '' `` Are there no young gentlemen in the family ? '' `` No , Miss Lillian is an only child , and a sweet one , bless her ! ''
`` A proud little XXXXX , I should say . ''
Plenty answer boy family gentlemen lady money nod shoes things