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Dropping his tools and pulling off his hat, Paul obeyed, looking a little anxious, for the month of trial expired that day. Lady Trevlyn saw and answered the look with a gracious smile.

“Have no fears. You are to stay if you will, for Lillian is happy and I am satisfied with you.”

“Thank you, my lady.” And an odd glance of mingled pride and pain shone in the boy’s downcast eyes.

“That is settled, then. Now let me say what I called you in for. You spoke of being able to illuminate on parchment. Can you restore this old book for me?”

She put into his hand the ancient volume Sir Richard had been reading the day he died. It had lain neglected in a damp nook for years till my lady discovered it, and, sad as were the associations connected with it, she desired to preserve it for the sake of the weird prophecy if nothing else. Paul examined it, and as he turned it to and fro in his hands it opened at the page oftenest read by its late master. His eye kindled as he looked, and with a quick gesture he turned as if toward the light, in truth to hide the flash of triumph that passed across his face. Carefully controlling his voice, he answered in a moment, as he looked up, quite composed, “Yes, my lady, I can retouch the faded colors on these margins and darken the pale ink of the Old English text. I like the work, and will gladly do it if you like.”

“Do it, then, but be very careful of the book while in your hands. Provide what is needful, and name your own price for the work,” said his mistress.

“Nay, my lady, I am already paid–“

“How so?” she asked, surprised.

Paul had spoken hastily, and for an instant looked embarrassed, but answered with a sudden flush on his dark cheeks, “You have been kind to me, and I am glad to show my, gratitude in any way, my lady.”

“Let that pass, my boy. Do this little service for me and we will see about the recompense afterward.” And with a smile Lady Trevlyn left him to begin his work.

The moment the door closed behind her a total change passed over Paul. He shook his clenched hand after her with a gesture of menace, then tossed up the old book and caught it with an exclamation of delight, as he reopened it at the worn page and reread the inexplicable verse.

“Another proof, another proof! The work goes bravely on, Father Cosmo; and boy as I am, I’ll keep my word in spite of everything,” he muttered.

“What is that you’ll keep, lad?” said a voice behind him.

“I’ll keep my word to my lady, and do my best to restore this book, Mrs. Hester,” he answered, quickly recovering himself.

“Ah, that’s the last book poor Master read. I hid it away, but my lady found it in spite of me,” said Hester, with a doleful sigh.

“Did he die suddenly, then?” asked the boy.

“Dear heart, yes; I found him dying in this room with the ink scarce dry on the letter he left for my lady. A mysterious business and a sad one.”

“Tell me about it. I like sad stories, and I already feel as if I belonged to the family, a loyal retainer as in the old times. While you dust the books and I rub the mold off this old cover, tell me the tale, please, Mrs. Hester.”

She shook her head, but yielded to the persuasive look and tone of the boy, telling the story more fully than she intended, for she loved talking and had come to regard Paul as her own, almost.

“And the letter? What was in it?” asked the boy, as she paused at the catastrophe.

“No one ever knew but my lady.”

“She destroyed it, then?”

“I thought so, till a long time afterward, one of the lawyers came pestering me with questions, and made me ask her. She was ill at the time, but answered with a look I shall never forget, ‘No, it’s not burnt, but no one shall ever see it.’ I dared ask no more, but I fancy she has it safe somewhere and if it’s ever needed she’ll bring it out. It was only some private matters, I fancy.”