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

122 WILLY BURKE; OR,
and while his mind was still but imperfectly indoctrined
with Catholic principles and Catholic faith, he will, it is
to be feared, gradually become imbued with the sentiments
and ideas of those about him. His position is, indeed, a
dangerous one ; for he has not that strength of mind or
firmness of faith which might secure him from the assaults
of the tempter".
The next time Willy saw Father Pitzherbert out of
the church, he took occasion to tell him. of the handsome
cross which some unknown friend had placed over his
mother's grave.
il And I have some suspicion of who it is that did it,
sir", said Willy. " Except your reverence there 's only
another that I 'd think of at all".
" And who is this other, Willy ?" the priest inquired
with a smile.
" Mr. Talbot, sir".
Father Fitzherbert smiled again.
" Well, Willy, I be-
lieve you are not mistaken in your surmise. I have some
reason to know that it was, indeed, Mr. Talbot, who thus
testified his respect for a true Christian, as he had well
ascertained your mother to have been. He has told me,
too, the whole affair—that is to say, your meritorious
project of having this monument erected, and your still
more laudable disposal of the money intended to put it in
execution. I will venture to tell you that it was still
more to show his warm approval of your conduct, than
through respect for your mother's memory, that he did
this. May God give you the grace, dear child, to walk
firmly and steadily in the path of duty".
M I can't go astray, sir", said Willy, in reply, " while I
have you to guide me".