Willy Burke, or, The Irish orphan in America - Digital Repository ...

118 WILLY BURKE; OR,
me the two dollars, I can put it with the two I have, an'
take it to her. I don't want to touch the half dollar that
rny sisters gave me, until it goes to pay for the cross—for
I 'd like them to have their share in it".
" And so you are willing to postpone the putting up of
that cross", said Mr. Talbot, " in order to give the money
that would do it to your friend, Mrs. O'Grady ? Well,
here are the two dollars, and I must say (although not
much given to flatter our young men) that your conduct
is deserving of the warmest approval".
" You are very good to say so, sir", was Willy's reply ;
u and I hope God will always give me grace to do what
is right". And, pocketing his money, with a well-pleased
countenance he moved away. Taming back, however, he
asked Mr. Talbot whether he might take time in the course
of the evening to go to Mrs O'Grady's. " That is", saidhe,
" if there 's nothing particular for me to do ; because if
there is, I wouldn't for anything ask to go".
" You can go just now, Willy", said Mr. Talbot, "and
if Mr. Weimar asks for you, I shall answer for your absence".
So Willy thanked him again, and withdrew.
Hurrying along on the wings of gratitude and friendship,
Willy Burke speedily reached Mrs. 0' Grady's dwelling,
and found her alone with her husband who was unable
to move from his chair without assistance. Scarcely did
Willy wait to answer the good woman's friendly inquiries,
till, pulling out his little purse, he took out the four
dollars and handed it to Mrs. O'Grady.
"What 's this, Willy ?" she asked with unfeigned sur-
prise.
" Why, its four dollars I 've brought you", was the
quick response, "jist because we had them to spare,