impostor sought to try the success of their well-taught deceptions; now,
his virtues, his manners, and his success are in the mouths of all men;
and those who plotted against his soul are ready to do homage to his
accomplishments. When St. Patrick, the apostle of Ireland, returned to
the house of his former master, who held him in slavery,--the glorious
prelate and saint to the hut of the slave,--what must have 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