Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (2).pdf/17

17 ring, and two or three notes written by Arthur, in which he addressed Maria as his wife. In a moment the diabolical mind of McPherson suggested a plot, which would revenge him on both Maria and his young master, and enable him to leave Donegal, which he would be constrained to do. He proceeded directly home, and going by a private way to his own room, packed up all those valuables he had been enabled to collect during his service, which, besides many purloined, and lodged in a bank in Dublin, amounted to a very considerable sum. Having done this he took horse and proceeded directly for the capital, taking with him the casket containing the proofs of Arthur’s marriage. In two days and nights he reached the house of Sir Neale, to whom he introduced himself in the most abrupt manner, apologising for his presence, by saying that nothing but his regard for the family of the O’Donnells could induce him to come in person so great a distance. Without further circumlocution he then placed in the hands of Sir Neale the Casket which he had brought with him.

Sir Neale looked with astonishment at M'Pherson, then at the casket. "What," said he, "am I to understand from this?" "Open ye the casket," replied McPherson, "and you will be informed." Sir Neale opened the Casket, and took from it the papers it contained. The first of those that he examined was a short note from Arthur to Maria, couched in the following terms:

" "The moments seem ages until I can again press to my heart my ever-adored wife. A few hours and I shall be with you. Oh! Maria, you know not how I love you. Scarcely can I exist but in your presence. I send this by Henry, lest you should think the time long ere I visit the cottage.

Adieu,

"