The thought of eating the dainty so thoughtfully provided, produced a choking sensation in the boy’s throat, as if it had there come into a collision with his wrath against heretics. But he said nothing, and Annorah went on:—
“I’ve been making some caps for mother; but ye’re no able to carry so many things at once, poor fellow.”
Still Phelim did not speak, but he gazed earnestly into her face. The moon was up, and he could plainly see the traces of tears on her cheek, and the sad but loving expression of her eyes as she returned his gaze.
“An’ it’s the Protestant religion that makes you so good and kind, Norah,” he said at length; “our Lady help me, and I could just be a heretic wi’ ye!”
“It’s little I know yet o’ the truth, but, O Phelim, it’s a lovely way to heaven; and the swate, blessed feeling that fills up the heart when I pray straight up to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, is better than to have all the diamonds in a queen’s crown. It makes me so light and happy; so contented intirely. It quiets the bad temper into perfect peace; and I love, as I never dreamed of doing before, all my friends and enemies too. It’s little I know yet, Phelim, but all the gould in the world, and all the world’s hate too, shall not hinder me from learning more o’ God’s wonderful way to save sinners. But hurry home now, Phelim, mavourneen; the raw night air is no good for ye.”
“They may say what they will, Norah,” said the boy, “but I’m sure I will love ye for ever. An’ ye’ll tache me to get those heavenly feelings, I’ll jist follow the road ye have taken. I’ve plenty o’ time, as ye know.”
“Do ye mean, will I teach you to read?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll speak to Miss Annie about it. Hurry home as fast as you can. Good-night, and God bless you.”
With an affectionate kiss they parted; and Annorah went slowly back to her young mistress’s room.