a-laughing, in which she was joined by the two arch Irish lads; and
Will, discouraged, blushed and stopped.

"I would rather not have any prayer than have that foolish hymn," said
Ben. "O Will! O, you goose!"

"Silence, boys!" said Mrs. Prying. "Pat and Eugene, can you not sing?
Come, let us hear how you can sing. Commence. Don't be ashamed."

"Will we sing, ma'am, what the Christian brothers taught us?"

"Yes, Pat, any thing; don't be shy," said the lady. The lads began thus,
with joined hands and uplifted eyes:--

"Ave Maria! hear the prayer
Of thy poor helpless child!
Beneath thy sweet maternal care
Preserve me undefiled.

"Ave Maria! do I sigh
In deep affliction's hour.
Nor to a suppliant heart deny
Thy mediative power.

"Ave Maria! for to thee,
Whom God was pleased to choose
The mother of his Son to be,
No prayer will he refuse.

"Ave Maria! then implore