Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (2).pdf/12

12 With this answer M.Pherson was obliged to be content, although he did not argue favourably of his success with Maria, whose secret attachment to Arthur he well knew.

To Maria, therefore, he directed his constant attention, bringing her presents of the most delicious fruits from the garden of Sir Neale, and using every other expedient in his power to gain her respect, but without success. He generally so timed his visits, as not to meet with Arthur, who became a constant attendant at the cottage, and who, on being informed by Maria of the presumptuous intentions of McPherson, was outrageous, and could scarcely be prevented from sacrificing him to his anger.

Several months now elapsed, in which the passion of Arthur and Maria attained additional strength, and could scarcely be concealed in the presence of lady O'Donnel, on her occasional visits to the cottage.

While things were thus situated in Donegal, Sir Neale was advancing in his political career in Dublin with rapid steps; his talents attracted universal admiration, and at length raised him to the highest office under the viceroy, who entertained for him the most profound esteem. Although thus successful in his views, he did not neglect the interests of his son, for whom he at length procured a situation immediately under his own auspices. Of this circumstance he dispatched intimation to lady O'Donnel, directing that Arthur should be sent without delay.

On the arrival of the packet containing this information, lady O'Donnel felt peculiar pleasure, as she thought her beloved Arthur had now arrived at an age when he should know something of the world, and enter into that career which his father had followed with so much honour to himself, and satisfaction to his superiors.

While reading her husband's letter, Arthur entered—he had just left his Maria.

“Come, my Arthur," said lady O'Donnel, “I have good news for you; your father has procured for you a