Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (2).pdf/8

8 Miss Farrell entered—she smiled, and throwing her blue eyes upon Arthur, offered him wine. He took glass—his 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 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 attention of Arthur.

Farrel observed it, and rising from the chair, took it down; he drew it from the scabbard; "This," cried he waving it round his head, "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 th 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 accordant with his feelings, it was late ere he reached home, where his mother was anxiously awaiting his return.

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 amiable daughter on the ensuing morning.

During the whole night, Arthur conld not divest himself of the idea of Maria, whose bewitching figure was constantly in his mind. He rose with the lark, and impatiently 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'Donnell, 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 Arthur had taken the preceding night. They soon reached