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

THE IRISH ORPHAN IN AMERICA. 135
" Since I must acknowledge that your suspicions are well
founded, I have only to say, that the few dollars which I
expended on that monument have procured me much more
pleasure than I have for years experienced. The act was
purely spontaneous, and done without the slightest
thought of ever being repaid, my intention being to tes-
tify my sincere respect for the humble, yet distinguished
virtues of your departed parent ; while, at the same time,
I had no objection to gratify your filial affection by seeing
a decent memorial placed over her remains. Keep the
money, Willy, and put it to whatsoever use you please.
I am quite sure it will be well laid out. There—no more
thanks ; I anticipate all you would say. Go now, and
remember you will never want a friend while I live !"
" May the Lord bless you, sir !" murmured Willy Burke,
as he left the office. On reaching the house he found
several of the young men assembled, waiting the appearance
of supper, but Mrs. Malcolm was not in the eating
room. Many a significant glance was exchanged between
them as Willy entered, and his cheerful greeting was only
answered by dark looks and bitter sneers. Of late, poor
Willy had been accustomed to such treatment, and now,
pretending not to notice it, he took a small book from his
pocket and sat down near a window.
" Pray, Master William, of what nature may your
studies be ?" called out one from an opposite corner of the
room. " Piety again, I guess ?" and his tittering laugh
was echoed all around.
" Its the life of St. Patrick I 'm reading, Mr. Wilson I*
said Willy, raising his eyes from his book.
" Ay ! it looks new", said Wilson, " I suppose Mr.
Talbot gave it to you as a reward for your budget of
stories just now. You earned it well, I reckon".