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

46 WILLY BURKE; OR,
Ireland having written to me that he had casually heard
of your good husband's death, and feared that you mighty
therefore, be in necessitous circumstances. Now, take
note of the wondrous mercy of our God : here has he
thrown this money in your son's way, and inspired you
with the just and holy purpose of giving it up to me in
order that I might endeavour to find its owner—and all
this, that I might discover the object of my search, and
you obtain a friend. Truly hath it been said, that virtue
bringeth its own reward", he added as though to himself.
" An' sure I always knew it", said Biddy, almost exultingly
; " the Lord never fails to raise up friends for them
that puts their thrust in him, an' does what they can to
obey him. But will your reverence be good enough to
tell me who it was that wrote to you about us ?"
" It was my old college friend and your former pastor,
the Rev. Mr. Maloney".
" Ah ! the Lord's blessin' be about him now an' for
ever more !" cried the widow, clasping her hands fervently
together. " I might a' known it was himself, an' it
raises my heart to hear that he doesn t forget us, though
we 're so far away But sure he said he 'd remember us,
an' it seems he does. But I 'm keepin' your reverence
standin' too long, an' so I '11 not trespass any longer
now". 3jJ
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" Well, mother, what news ?" was Willy's earnrst in-
quiry as his mother entered the room on her return.
" Just the ould story over again, j my son ! that
c Honesty 's the best policy !' Sure I always said that
God 'id do for us ;
raised up a friend for us already".
an' glory be to his holy name, he ha&