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

THE IRISH ORPHAN IN AMERICA. 215
rejoice on the occasion, though, between ourselves, the
fellow is not worth much".
Willy Burke had approached his brother, intending to
propose that they should leave the room ; for he did not
wish to remain where he was an eavesdropper, although
unintentionally. But Peter stood as though transfixed,
nor attempted to move from the spot until he had heard
all ; then turning, he caught his brother by the arm, and
drew him out into the hall, without saying a word. His
face was pale as death, and he appeared literally gasping
for breath. Calling a servant, however, he handed to him
the note which contained the money ; and telling him to
give it to Mrs. Watkins without any delay, he motioned
for Willy to follow, and hastened to quit the house, as
though he feared to remain a moment loDger. Neither
spoke for some minutes after they left the door, but suddenly
Peter stopped, and turned full on his brother
"Now, with God's help, Willy, I '11 never set foot in that
house again, for it just seems to me as if it was the gate
of helL While I was listening to that precious discourse,
the veil fell from my eyes, and now I can see the fearful
danger I was in".
" Well", said Willy, as he wiped away with his hand
the tears of joy that suffused his eyes, " I was afraid to
see you going in that time ; but now I see it was God
himself that conducted us there at that moment, so that
you might see and hear, from the mouths of your preten-
ded friends, the object they had really in view. But I'm
not the least surprised ;
for when I went into the Church
on my way here, I besought the powerful aid of the
Mother of God in saving you from the snares laid for you.
I hadn't yet finished my prayer when I felt assured it
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