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

THE IRISH ORPHAN IN AMERICA. 55
CHAPTER IV.
THE BROKEN HEART.
HE long, wakeful night was at length
passed, and Mrs. Burke, having said
her morning prayers, put her little place
in order and gave her children their
breakfast, then set out for Mrs. Walking's,
somewhat strengthened and comforted
by the hope that now at least she
would have her son home with her, consoling herself with
the reflection that she was about to snatch him from the
fiery furnace of temptation which had already scathed his
soul. Full of these hopeful thoughts she knocked at the
door, and on being admitted requested to see her son.
" He 's gone to the country, Mrs. Burke", said the girl
who opened the door.
" Gone to the counthry. Ah, then, when did he go,
Ellen?"
" This morning— but here 's the mistress coming to
speak to you". The servant disappeared just as Mrs.
Watkins advanced in her elegant morning-dress.
" Good morning, Mrs. Burke", said the lady, with
" I hope I see you in good health".
lofty condescension ;
H Well, no, ma'am—many thanks for your kind inquiry
; but I 'm not half well these times. Indeed, only
the business it is, I couldn't stir out at all this mornin'
so early, for, God help me, I 'm gettin' so feeble that I
can scarce do a hand's turn. But is it thrue, ma'am, that
Pether 's not here this mornin' ?"
" Why, yes, Mrs. Burke, Mr. Watkins sent him off