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

THE IRISH ORPHAN IN AMERICA. 213
speaking in a lower, tone, " I have strong hopes that
they '11 make me their heir ; do you hear that ?"
11 Never believe it, Peter, never believe it !" said
Willy, with sudden warmth of manner ;
" they who sug-
gested that hope were but making merry with your credulity
; and a few hours after the meeting with you, they
twitted me with your being about to turn Protestant
for the sake of Mr. Watkins's fortune, though they
didn't forget to tell me at the same time that Mr. Watkins
has a nephew in Savannah, who is sure to be his
heir".
" Well ! if that be true", said Peter, his face flaming
with anger, " that Wilson is the greatest villain unhanged".
" It is true", said Willy ; " but there 's no use railing
against Wilson, or any other one ; the only thing is, be
on your guard against such schemers for the future. But
here we are at Mr. Watkins's. I '11 go in with you ; but
I hope you '11 not stay long".
Peter opened the door with a latch-key, and, seeing
the parlour door open, he told Willy, in a low voice, to
go in there, and wait for him. " I '11 " in a few minutes".
be back", he said,
Peter had not yet reached the door, when he suddenly
stopped, hearing his own name mentioned in the adjoining^
room, which was only separated from the parlour by
folding-doors. The speaker was undoubtedly Mrs. Watkins
; but what had she said that made Peter Burke
change colour so ?
" Yes !" said the lady, continuing her discourse, " I
have great hopes that the meeting will go off well, provided
you can get this Burke to come forward and bear.
.