The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-08-23
gernIng Star and Catholic Messenger.
NEw ORLEANS. SUNDAY. AUGUST %. 1874
JUVENILE COLUMN.
A spRIa OF SHAMROCK.

~~''- $3.50 ~--o-N~-S
In o small room, Mrs. Murphy was get
ting breakfast ready-breakfast for two :
for Mrs. Murphy and her son were all the
family.
"Well, motber,n said Joe, taking his hat
and pushing his chair back" ito morrow
is st. Patrick's day."
"Sure, couldn't forget that, Joe. See
how blooming my shamrock Is. You'll
have fine sprig to wear in your coat to-
morrow.
Joe laughed cheerily, and, walking over
to the window, looked admiringly at the
taft of shamrock that grew in very red
flower pot. Joe's mother had brought the
shamrock from the old country.
"To- morrow" said Joe, with myster-
ious air, tIll give you something for your
sprig of shamrock, mother"
His mother looked up with pleased
smile on her face.
"Don't ask me to tell you beforehand.
wouldn't spoil the surprise for worlds"
'I can watt" she said, knowing that
hear. 'sIt's nearly half-past seven, and
Won should be at the Office at eight, you
know. ] hear james Tyrrell on the stairs"
would You really like to know what
I'll give you ~
II am not impatient" said this provok-
Joe."
"Well, then, it's good news mother"
"Good news will keep, Joe."
"Sure, / can't keep it, then. Mr.. Maher
promised, yesterday, to raise my wages:
Five dollars q week, after tomorrow !!
formed double shuttle. "Well have a
nice carpet, mother, and you shall have a
new bonnet, and shawl, and spectacles
with gold rims, mother,-yes spectacles
with gold rims Hurrah ~
And, having unburdened his mind OF
CT ho
vious evening, he fastened away to his
ole never thinks of himself at all, at
all - murmured Mrs. Murphy, lifting the
corner of her apron to wipe away tear.
Mrs. Murphy bad endured many trials.
in Ireland. Poor, yet hopeful, she and her
son had come to America. Joe was emu
Moved in the law Office of Maher and Ar
mold. He ran errands, copied documents,
and performed such other duties as fell to
his share. Mr.. Maher held him in great
estimation. Joe's companion in the Office
was James Tyrrell. Tyrrell was fifteen =;
q year older than Joe. During the hurried
seasons, he divided Joe's usual labors, but
at other times he sat at high desk, writ
ing deeds, in an upright, clerkly hand.
James Tyrrell lived in the same house
with Joe. A distant relative of his-an
old woman who kept an apple stand on the
corner-rented rooms Immediately above
those occupied by the Murphys.
Tyrrell never of late arrived at the Of
fee in time, and when he did come he was
generally half asleep. The truth was, he
fellows" with whom he went to the theatres
or roamed about the streets at night, MIR
Maher had not offered to raise his salary
on the contrary, he had threatened to dis
miss him if be did not become more pune
tual. He envied Joe, but he made no of
%ha
the latter favorite with his employer.
st. Patrick's day, Joe Murphy had gone
to early Mass and as he walked brlskl J
up towards the Office, with his mother'i
sprig of shamrock pinned to his coat, II
wouId have been difficult to find happier
bow in Philadelphia. Five dollars week
The prospect was very pleasant and, II
his minds eye, joe already saw many i'm
provements in the little room at home.
Entering the Office, Joe threw open thu
shutters. After while, Tyrrell came in
ryawnipg.
"Good morning." said joe
"Early enough to-day, hope, to please
old Maher. I say, what's that green thin!
you've got in your buttonhole, Murphy T
Shamrock"
"Youre green one" eneered Tyrrell
"faitb, I'd not be after letting everyone
know / was Irish"
"More shame for you" said Joe, gravely
At this moment, Mr.. Maher, gray
haired, kind looking man, entered. Tyrrel
at once rushed to his desk. and pretended
to write with all his mi ht. Mr.. Mahel
said good morning, and then weat into hi
private Office. He came out in short time
with something in his hand.
"You've never seen anything like this
have you, boys 2" From dainty, cotton
lined bog, he took watch, and showed j
to the boys. They were both loud in thei
expressions of admiration. The watch wal
in the form of q tinv gold rose each peta
was exquisitely cut.
While Mr.. Maher was showing the watch
loud burst of music sounded without, &C
companied by applauding voices.
ssWhat is that Z" asked Mr.. Maber.
"Tbe procession. st. Patrick's day, yo1
know, sir" :.
ooh, yes" Mr.. Maher carefully lait
the watch within TyrrelPs desk, and wen
to the door. Tyrrell and Joe followed him
Banners huttered in the sunlit air, horses