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

76 WILLY BUEKE; OK,
may probably choose to withdraw for the present. It is
usual for all the Catholics in the house to be present, if
possible, when the sacrament is given to the dying ;
but
it would be as well for those who do not believe as we do
to retire !"
Mrs. Watkins bowed her acquiescence, and resumed her
place at the kitchen fire, though internally inveighing
against the priest, for she was curious to see how these
Popish ceremonies were carried on. But Father Fitzherbert
knew well the irreverent curiosity which would alone
have been gratified, and the total want of respect for the
Blessed Sacrament, which, in the event of her remaining
in the room, would have scandalized the children, and
therefore politely hinted at the propriety of her retiring
for a while. Willy and his sisters now came in, and they
were followed by the O'Gradies, old and young. All passed
into the inner chamber, and knelt as they entered in respectful
silence. Mrs. Burke lay calm and.tranquil, with
for her soul was rapt up in sweet commu-
her eyes closed ;
nion with that God who was about " to take up his
abode" within her soul. Her thin, worn hands were
clasped together outside the bedclothes ; and had it not
been for the motion of her lips, she might have been believed
dead,. But not so ; for when the priest, approaching
with the Blessed Sacrament, raised his voice and said
the well known words, " Ecce Agnus Dei"— " Behold the
Lamb of God—behold him who taketh away the sins of
the world V she opened her eyes, and raised her hands in
fervent thanksgiving, while a smile of exquisite joy
crossed her wan features.
" Lord, I am not worthy thou shouldst enter under
my roof ; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed*