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. I could get one
from Mr. Sclater too, whose church I attended while there."

"Show me what you have," said his lordship.

Donal took the papers from the pocket-book his mother had made him,
and handed them to him. The earl read them with some attention,
returning each to him without remark as he finished it, only saying
with the last,