Page:Irish assassin, or, The misfortunes of the family of O'Donnel (3).pdf/5

 military coat; his countenance was strongly marked martial, but at the same time mingled with much benignity; his forehead was bold and open, his eyes full and dark, his eye-brows black and thick, his nose aquiline, and his chin rather prominent; he had a staff in his hand, and although apparently possessing vigour and health, he walked with difficulty, from an injury in his left leg.

Arthur had till now remained concealed behind some trees; but stepping forward to continue the objects of his admiration in view, a favourite dog, who ran by their side, observed him, and beginning to bark with vehemence, they turned round. He found himself discovered, and advancing towards them, begged they would pardon his obtrusion, with that suavity and dignity of manners, of which he was so capable. They smiled at his apology, and the old man with much good nature, told him he was welcome to his farm; it gave him pleasure, he said, to see he admired his situation, and added, if he could bear to saunter no faster than himself, he would show him some parts well worth seeing, and which probably had escaped him.

An agreeable conversation soon took place, into which the amiable Maria, for such she was called, entered with the most frank and bewitching simplicity, speedily convincing our hero, that her heart and her understanding were as lovely as her form. As they chatted together, the reserve natural to strangers wore off, and Artisan having expressed much satisfaction, mingled with some curiosity, as to their mode of life, the old man with great affability told him his short but melancholy tale. His name (he said) was Farrell, and having at an early period of life chosen the profession of arms, by his assiduity and attention he soon recommended himself to the notice of his colonel, who rewarded him with promotion to a lieutenancy. Shortly after he married the daughter of a clergyman: his connubial joys were, however, but short, as his regiment was ordered to Germany in a few days; whither his too-affectionate wife, who was then pregnant,