`` The good soul warmed to me at once , and , filling a mug with coffee , gave it to me with a hearty -- '' ' A hot sup will do you no harrum , me b ` y , and sure in the blessid Christmas time that 's just fore-ninst us , the master wo n't begrudge ye a breakfast ; so take a biscuit and a sassage , for it 's like ye have n't had a mouthful betwixt your lips the day . ' '' ` That I will , ' said I ; ` and it 's good luck and a long life to ye I 'm drinkin ' in this illegint coffee . ' '' ` Bless the b ` y ! but it 's a grateful heart he has , and a blue eye as like my Pat as two pays , ' cried the cook , regarding me with increasing favor , as I bolted the breakfast which I should have been too proud to accept from any hand less humble . `` Here the guest asked a question concerning Pat , and instantly the mother gushed into praises of her boy , telling in a few picturesque words , as only an Irishwoman could do it , how Pat had come to ` Ameriky ' first when things went hard with them in the ` ould country , ' and how good he was in sending home his wages till she could join him . `` How she came , but could not find her ` b ` y , because of the loss of the letter with his address , and how for a year she waited and watched , sure that he would find her at last . How the saints had an eye on him , and one happy day answered her prayers in a way that she considered ` aquil to any merrycle ever seen . ' For , looking up from her work , who should she see , in a fine livery , sitting on the box of a fine carriage at the master 's door , but ` her own b ` y , like a king in his glory . ' '' ` Arrah , ye should have seen me go up thim steps , Katy , and my Pat come off that box like an angel flyin ' , and the way he tuk me in his arms , never mindin ' his illigint coat , and me all dirt a-blackin ' me range . Ah ` r , but I was a happy crayter that day ! ' `` Here the good soul stopped to wipe away the tears that were shining on her fat cheeks , and Mary appeared with a dollar , ` for master said it was a tough job and well done . ' '' ` May his bed be aisy above , darlin ' , and many thanks , and the compliments of the sayson to ye , ladies . ' `` With which grateful farewell I trudged away , well pleased at the success of my first attempt . Refreshed and cheered by the kindness of my humble hostess , I took heart , and worked away at my next job with redoubled energy , and by the time the first bells rang for church , I had three dollars in my pocket . My blood danced in my veins , and all my despair seemed shovelled away with the snow I had cleared from other people 's paths . `` My back ached , and my palms were sore , but heart and soul were in tune again , and hurrying home , I dressed and went to church , feeling that a special thanksgiving was due for the lesson I had learned . `` Christmas garlands hung upon the walls , Christmas music rolled through the church , and Christmas sermon , prayer , and psalm cheered the hearts of all . But the shabby young man in the back seat found such beauty and comfort in the service of that day that he never forgot it , for it was the turning-point of his life . '' My friend fell silent for a minute , and I sat , contrasting that past of his , with the happy present , for he was a prosperous man now , with an honored name , a comfortable fortune , and best of all , a noble wife , and some brave lads to follow in his footsteps . Presently I could not resist asking , -- `` Did you go on shovelling , Dick ? ''
`` Not long , for there was no need of it , thanks to XXXXX 's mother , '' he answered smiling .
Arrah Irishwoman Pat aquil blessid dollars mindin sassage sayson shovelling