I ploughed across , and received in silence the order to -- '' ` Clear them steps and sidewalk , and sweep 'em nice , for our folks always go to church , rain or shine . ' `` Then leaving her broom outside , the maid slammed the door with a shiver , and I fell to work manfully . It was a heavy job , and my hands , unused to any heavier tool than a pen , were soon blistered ; but I tugged away , and presently found myself much stimulated by the critical and approving glances bestowed upon me by the pretty girl , taking breakfast in the basement with a buxom cook and a friend , who had evidently dropped in on her way home from early Mass. . `` I was a young fellow , and in spite of my late despair , the fun of the thing tickled me immensely , and I laughed behind my old tippet , as I shovelled and swept with a vigor that caused the stout cook to smile upon me . `` When the job was done , and I went to the lower door for my well-earned pay , the maid said , with condescension , as she glanced coquettishly at my ruddy face and eyes that twinkled under the old cap , I suspect , -- '' ` You can wait here while I run up , and get the money , if master is awake . ' '' ` Ye have n't the heart of a woman , Mary , to kape the poor crater out there when it 's kilt wid the could he is , ' said the buxom cook ; adding , in a motherly tone , ` Come in wid yez , my man , and set till the fire , for it 's bitter weather the day . ' '' ` Faix an ' it is , ma 'm , thankin ' ye kindly , ' I answered , with a fine brogue , for as a lad I had played the Irishman with success . `` 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 XXXXX bells rang for church , I had three dollars in my pocket .
Ameriky Arrah Faix Irishman aisy crayter day first sassage yez