Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (1).pdf/21

 21 wrapping her in a coverlid be carried her out upon the lawn. There did he return thanks to God for her escape. The people of the village alarmed at the sight, rushed to the hill to give them assistance, and amongst the foremost came Murphy. To see the situation of Maria was enough for him, he hastily conveyed her to his humble cabin, where he consigned her to the care of his wife. Scarcely was a letter sent off to Arthur when the angel of death threw the shadow of his wings over the cabin of Murphy, and the eyes of the gentle, the mur- dered Maria. were closed in darkness eternal. When Farrel's grief was somewhat abated he arose from the bed and exclaimed, “ Farewell, my Maria, thou that were the solace of my age, farewell! On the third morning the decease of the angelic Maria, the villagers were assembled on the green op- posite poor Murphy's cabin, and on their faces dwelt the sentiments of pity and regret. In the bed-room of the cabin was placed the coffin of Maria, and beside it knelt the unfortunate Farrell. It was then carried out upon the green, where half a dozen young women dres- sed in black supported it, whilst as many more walked two and two before, and the like number behind. They entered the church, and the ceremony com- menced. A calm resignation was apparent, in the countenance of Farrell The service had proceeded a considerable way, and the corpse was made ready to be laid in the caith, when suddenly the folden doors of the church flew open, and a young man rushed vehe- mently in, exclaiming "Where is my Maria ! I will see her once more! I come to die with thee, my love! Stand off ye in human wretches and give me way!" He then broke through the crowd, and seeing the coffin started some paces backwards. "Help me, she is inur- dered l my gentle love is murdered I" He became speechless with agony. It was with the utmost difficulty he was torn from it; but at length having liberated