"
"I'm stout and strong, mum, and hard work agrees with me; but
you're a rale lady, and ain't used to it. It's only a thrifle,
but if you want to pay me, you could do a bit of sewin' for me.
I ain't very good with the needle. My fingers is too coarse,
belike."
"Thank you, Mrs. Donovan; on those terms I will agree to your
kind offer. Washing is a little hard for me."
Mrs. Hoffman collected a few pieces, and, wrapping them up in a
handkerchief, handed them to her guest.
"And now what have you been doin', Jimmy darlint?" said Mrs.
Donovan, turning her broad, good-humored face toward the younger
boy.
"I've been drawing a picture," said Jimmy. "Would you like to
see it?"
"Now, isn't that illigant?" exclaimed Mrs. Donovan, admiringly,
taking the picture and gazing at it with rapt admiration. "Who
showed you how to do it?"
"Paul bought me a book, and I copied it out of that."
"You're a rale genius. Maybe you'll make pictures some time like
them we have in the church, of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints.
Do you think you could draw me, now?" she asked, with curiosity.
"I haven't got a piece of paper big enough," said Jimmy, slyly.
"Ah, it's pokin' fun at me, ye are," said Mrs.
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