Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (3).pdf/4

 attracted his notice. There was an air of taste and simplicity in every thing around it, which excited his utmost curiosity with respect to its inhabitants, of whom, from the scene before him, he formed the most romantic idea It was placed in that situation, which, of all others, was the most picturesque; that is, its point of elevation was not too great for the landscape. From the bottom of small lawn which spread before it, the wood gradually fell to the margin of the river, and a number of gigantic oaks covered the hill behind it nearly to the summit, a broken line of moss-hung crags, however, still peeping beyond. Against the front of this cottage grew an old woodbine, whose branches, mingling with each other crept round four neat sash windows, that glowed as from the reflection of the sun. While he stood silently admiring the beauty of the scene, the door of the cottage was opened, and a young woman, clothed with elegant but artless taste, stepped out upon the green; her arm there leant a man of very interesting figure, and rather stricken in years, who, after looking round him with an air of satisfaction, smiled with parental fondness on his fair companion, and gave to heaven, with cheerful piety, his grateful thanks for the blessing he enjoy.

Thus was Arthur situated, and having gratified fancy with the scenery around, was about to return; no sooner did the two figures appear before him, his best and sweetest feelings were called into action, the country assumed a more enchanting hue, the shed a mellower and more delicious tint, and every object seemed heightened with a pathetic glare. An intelligence the most expressive sat on the features of the young woman,—an intelligence so divine, so mild graceful, that Raphael might have studied it with culture. She had on a gown of white cotton, and round her waist there was a green sash; her hair of a nut brown colour, hung down loosely upon her shoulder, and her left arm depended a small basket. The person leaned upon her right arm was dressed in a scarlet