seldom pronounced without dread or malediction. The urchins looked on
for some time with open mouths and staring eyes; and then, headed
by Briney, giving a farewell shout, to show they were not entirely
disconcerted, bravely took to their heels.

"May the blessins ov the poor and persecuted folly on yer path, my purty
child!" gratefully exclaimed the old woman, as her eyes rested on the
cherub face and infantine figure of her protectress, and they now were
dewy and wet with tears.

"Shall I help you to rise, Nanny?" asked she, her little heart dancing
with pleasure at hearing the fervent wish: "iv you like to go home, an'
you think me sthrong enough, I'll help you on!"

"From my heart I thank you, my purty golden haired child," said the old
woman, as with her assistance she at length stood up; "bud you seem to
know who I am, and I wondher yer not afeard ov me. Minny, I think they
called you--who is the happy father ov my little darlin'?"

"I'm Minny Whelan," gently answered the little girl; upon which Nanny
shrunk hastily back, and a fearful change overspread her features.

"Minny Whelan!--you the proctor's daughter? Those smiling lips--those
tinder, soft eyes--that rich yellow hair--an' that warm an' feelin'
heart, Minny Whelan's. Oh, it can't, it mustn't be--I won't believe id!"

The little girl laughed, although wonder lurked in her eye, and repeated
innocently,

"Sure enough, I am the procthor's daughter: bud you don't hate me for