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

24 WILLY BURKE ; OE,
saw that her favourite boy was unhappy ; and her maternal
heart could not but sympathize with his sadness, proceeding
as it did from the purest and best source. She
turned away in silence to pursue her work, and for
time the matter went no farther.
that
Worn and pale she was, poor woman ! and at times far
from strong, but still she toiled on cheerfully, and none
might read on her placid face one thought of discontent
—one corroding regret for days of happines gone for ever
—days when comfort and plenty were in and around her
dwelling, and when she had the means of dispensing good
things to others who were not so highly blessed. Every
morning her first care was to hear Mass in the neighbouring
cathedral, after which she commenced her daily
toil with cheerful alacrity, for she had offered it to God,
and did all for His sake. As she always went to the earliest
Mass, so, in winter, it was before the dawn, and she
generally took Willy with her, naturally disliking to traverse
the streets alone at an unseasonable or unseemly
hour. Thus the boy acquired a habit which he found one
of incalculable profit and consolation amid the trials of a
strangely- chequered life, when that pious mother, who
thus early led him to the altar, had been long mouldering
in the grave.
It chanced one day that Willy accompanied his mother
when she went to the house of one of her employers : and
the lady being much pleased with the boy's appearance, and
his quiet, respectful manner when spoken to, observed
that it was a pity so fine a lad should not have the advantages
of education.
u I should like to help you along, Mrs. Burke 1" she
said with a gracious smile, " for I believe you to be a