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

134 WILLY BURKE; OK,
was only you and Father Fitzherbert to do it, and I knew
that his reverence hadn't the means, though he 'd have
the heart ; God for ever bless him ; so I knew at once
who we had to thank for it, but I didn't say anything
till I 'd have the way of offering you what you laid out
on it. I havn't spent a penny of my wages since, sir,
and there 's eight dollars and a half in that purse", putting
it on the desk as he spoke. "If it cost any more
than that, Mr. Talbot, I can pay you when I earn it".
Here Mr. Talbot affected to be in some degree offen-
ded, though in his heart he could not but approve of the
hoy's conduct. " And suppose I were to take your
money, Willy, do you think that would altogether cancel
the obligation ? for it does seem to me that this offer of
yours proceeds from an overweening spirit of independence.
What reason have you to look on this act of
mine as a loan ?"
« Oh, Mr. Talbot !—oh, sir !" and it was with difficulty
that Willy restrained his tears, " if you speak that way
you '11 break my heart—
you will, indeed, sir ! Oh, no
I know well that no money can ever pay the debt of gratitude
we all owe you, and, please God, if I lived a
hundred years, I '11 never forget it ; but, sir, when I knew
very well that it was you that went to all that expense on
our account, don't you think it was my duty to offer you
the money, at least, because, even when its paid, I '11 owe
you the gratitude still ? May the Lord reward you, and
if it be his holy will, I pray that I may never die till I '11
be able to show you that I 'm not unthankful. Do, sir,
please take the money !"
" No, Willy, that I will not !" and Mr. Talbot, as he
spoke, could scarcely preserve a show of composure.
!