handkerchief, handed them to her guest.

"And now what have you been doin', Jimmy darlint?" said Mrs. Donovan,
turning her broad, good-humored face toward the younger boy.

"I've been drawing a picture," said Jimmy. "Would you like to see it?"

"Now, isn't that illigant?" exclaimed Mrs. Donovan, admiringly, taking
the picture and gazing at it with rapt admiration. "Who showed you how
to do it?"

"Paul bought me a book, and I copied it out of that."

"You're a rale genius. Maybe you'll make pictures some time like them we
have in the church, of the Blessed Virgin and the Saints. Do you think
you could draw me, now?" she asked, with curiosity.

"I haven't got a piece of paper big enough," said Jimmy, slyly.

"Ah, it's pokin' fun at me, ye are," said Mrs. Donovan, good-humoredly.
"Just like my Pat; he run into the room yesterday sayin', 'Mother,
there's great news. Barnum's fat woman is dead, and he's comin' afther
you this afternoon. He'll pay you ten dollars a week and board.' 'Whist,
ye spalpeen!' said I; 'is it makin' fun of your poor mother, ye are?'
but I couldn't help laughing at the impertinence of the boy. But I must
be goin'."

"Thank you for your kind offer, Mrs. Donovan. Jimmy shall go to your
room for the sewing."