Venus; while the two younger children, Patrick and Eugene, are as if
they came from the chisel of Powers, or some renowned artist of
antiquity."

"Why, my love," said Parson Burly, "you are quite classical in your
description; whether or not it is a correct one, is another thing."

"I assure you, Mr. Burly," said Van Stingey, "that your lady has not
described them beyond what is true. They are almighty fine young 'uns."

"I want you to adopt that eldest one, Mr. Burly," said the parson's
wife, who was president of the council. "He would make such an elegant
preacher, I am sure. You must also change the name of the second boy
from Patrick, which is so Irish, to Ebenezer, Zerubabbel, or some
Scripture name, or even classical one."

"Why, madam, I am beginning to get jealous, and to think you don't
sufficiently admire my powers of oratory," said her husband.

"Well, my dear, putting aside jokes," she solemnly remarked, "you know
how much we need Irish ministers to preach to the Irish amongst us, who
are the best church attenders on earth, I believe. And it is notorious,
that those whom we can take out from the ranks of Papacy while young
become the greatest ornaments to our denomination. Witness Kirvoin,
Maclown, Moffat, and several others."

"Well, well, my fair refuter," said the parson, who really feared his
wife would rivet her affections on the young orphan if adopted; "you
know it would never do to keep that little fellow with us. How old did
you say he was--about fifteen? Well, fifteen or sixteen--ya--you