ave been the
feelings of his exalted and inspired soul? Not those of hatred, vanity,
or earthly exultation, but those of charity, thanksgiving, and apostolic
zeal, if not those of gratitude, to his pagan master. Kindred to these
was the mental exultation of Paul O'Clery, on approaching the valley of
R---- Creek, the scene of the most meritorious part of his life, and
still the novitiate of those who were the most dear to him on earth.

He determined not only to redeem his sister and brothers, by paying the
customary sum for whatever clothing and board they had received, but
resolved, as soon as possible, to have them placed in a suitable
educational establishment. Bridget was already free, and by right
entitled to something handsome in remuneration of the services she had
rendered in the family in which she was so long a menial; but Paul was
determined that she should not only refuse accepting what was to fall to
her share, and what in justice she could claim, but said every thing
should be paid for--board, lodging, and even her "_common-school_"
education. "This last item," he said, "was not of the most choice
description,--that is, the 'common-school' learning,--but such as it is
I am unwilling to accept it gratuitously." He had come to the same
conclusion regarding Patrick and Eugene. O, it was on account of these
latter children, principally, that Paul rejoiced and thanked God that
restitution had been made of the stolen money; for he had a burden of
care and anxiety on his mind on account of these two children. It was so
difficult a work, especially as himself could not be with them, to save
young boys like them from the contagious vice so prevalent in this
country; and, above all, so hard to preserve young boys in the
atmosphere of your "common schools." Bridget might be said to be safe,
for she could remove to a better and more Christian neighborhood, or
return to her friends in the old country; but Patrick, and, above all,
Eugene, who were in the hands of utter strangers, how were they to be
saved from the universal corruption, when deprived of the continual
guardianship of their faithful brother? These were the considerations,
and not the sole recovery of the money restored to him, that contributed
to the increase of the joy, and gratitude, and thanksgiving in the heart
of Paul that now pervaded it. Alas! that this joy and these pleasant
anticipations of future prospects were of such short duration!

In order