Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (1).pdf/8

 8 Miss Farrell entered—she smilled, and throwing her blue eyes upon Arthur, offered him wine.' He took a glass-this hand trembled—he drank her health ; it was he thought, the most delightful wine he had ever tasted he praised her skill, and she blushed. "I am glad it pleases you," she said. At this moment, turning round to speak to her father, the bright hilt of a sword which hung over the chimney-piece, attracted the attentinn of Arthur. Farrell observed it, and rising from the chair took it down; he drew it from the scabbard, "this," cried he, waving it round his bead," this, Sir, was once my only fortune-my only friend. With this and much good service has it done me, with this, I have known the day, when, shrinking from the lightening of its edge, the foes of Ireland have retired." The night was fine, the moon had arisen and sweetly illumined the river and distant mountains ; all, except the nightingale, was mute; and struck by a scene so ac cordant with his feelings, it was late ere he reached home, where his mother was anxiously awaiting his re- turn. After supper, he related to his affectionate parent the little adventure of the evening, and she, with the warmth usual to her on such occasions; participated in all the feelings of her son, and enamoured of the glowing picture he had drawn, she promised to visit Farrell and his ami- able daughter on the ensuing morning. During the whole night, Arthur could not livest him- self of the idea of Maria, whose bewitching figure was constantly in his mind. He rose with the lark, and im- patiently awaited the rising of his mother. He was soon called to breakfast, at which he scarcely eat a mouthful, and at eight o'clock the carriage was ordered, and Lady O'Donnel, accompanied by her son, were driven to the foot of the hill on which the cottage of Farrell stood, where they alighted and walked up the path which Ar- thur had taken the preceding night. They soon reached