For a year Lady Trevlyn 's reason was in danger . A long fever left her so weak in mind and body that there was little hope of recovery , and her days were passed in a state of apathy sad to witness . She seemed to have forgotten everything , even the shock which had so sorely stricken her . The sight of her child failed to rouse her , and month after month slipped by , leaving no trace of their passage on her mind , and but slightly renovating her feeble body . Who the stranger was , what his aim in coming , or why he never reappeared , no one discovered . The contents of the letter left by Sir Richard were unknown , for the paper had been destroyed by Lady Trevlyn and no clue could be got from her . Sir Richard had died of heart disease , the physicians said , though he might have lived years had no sudden shock assailed him . There were few relatives to make investigations , and friends soon forgot the sad young widow ; so the years rolled on , and Lillian the heiress grew from infancy to childhood in the shadow of this mystery . Chapter II PAUL `` Come , child , the dew is falling , and it is time we went in . '' `` No , no , Mamma is not rested yet , so I may run down to the spring if I like . '' And Lillian , as willful as winsome , vanished among the tall ferns where deer couched and rabbits hid . Hester leisurely followed , looking as unchanged as if a day instead of twelve years had passed since her arms received the little mistress , who now ruled her like a tyrant . She had taken but a few steps when the child came flying back , exclaiming in an excited tone , `` Oh , come quick ! There 's a man there , a dead man . I saw him and I 'm frightened ! '' `` Nonsense , child , it 's one of the keepers asleep , or some stroller who has no business here . Take my hand and we 'll see who it is . '' Somewhat reassured , Lillian led her nurse to one of the old oaks beside the path , and pointed to a figure lying half hidden in the fern . A slender , swarthy boy of sixteen , with curly black hair , dark brows , and thick lashes , a singularly stern mouth , and a general expression of strength and pride , which added character to his boyish face and dignified his poverty . His dress betrayed that , being dusty and threadbare , his shoes much worn , and his possessions contained in the little bundle on which he pillowed his head .
He was sleeping like one quite spent with weariness , and never stirred , though Hester bent away the XXXXX and examined him closely .
body child deer everything ferns oaks physicians sight spring tone