"My time is at your lordship's service," replied Donal, with the
ease that comes of simplicity.
"You have probably guessed why I sent for you?"
"I have hoped, my lord."
There was something of old-world breeding about the lad that
commended him to the earl. Such breeding is not rare among
Celt-born peasants.
"My sons told me that they had met a young man in the grounds--"
"For which I beg your lordship's pardon," said Donal. "I did not
know the place was forbidden."
"I hope you will soon be familiar with it. I am glad of your
mistake. From what they said, I supposed you might be a student in
want of a situation, and I had been looking out for a young man to
take charge of the boy: it seemed possible you might serve my
purpose. I do not question you can show yourself fit for such an
office: I presume it would suit you. Do you believe yourself one to
be so trusted?"
Donal had not a glimmer of false modesty; he answered immediately,
"I do, my lord."
"Tell me something of your history: where were you born? what were
your parents?"
Donal told him all he thought it of any consequence he should know.
His lordship did not once interrupt him with question or remark.
When he had ended--
"Well," he said, "I like all you tell me. You have testimonials?"
"I have from the professors, my lord, and one from the minister of
the parish, who knew me before I went to college.
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