`` 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 Pat 's mother , '' he answered smiling . `` Come , I must have all the story , for I know it has a sequel ! '' `` A very happy one . Yes , I owe to that kind soul and her little story , the turn that Fortune gave her wheel . Nay , rather say , the touch of nature that makes the whole world kin .
For when I went home that XXXXX , I sat down and made a simple tale from the hint she gave , and something of her own humor and pathos must have got into it , for it was accepted , and more stories solicited , to my great surprise .
Dick Katy a-blackin aisy crayter day minute sayson shovelling year