12 With this answer M'Pherson was obliged to be con- tent, 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 constantattention, 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 tinted his visits, as not to meet with Arthur, who became a constant attendant the cottage, and who, on being informed by Maria of the presump- tuous intentions of M'Phersort, was outrageous, and could scarcely be prevented from sacrificing him of his anger. Several months now elapsed, in which the passion of Arthur and Maria attained aditional 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 cureer in Dablit with rapid steps ; his talents attracted universal admiration, and at length raised him to the highest office under the vieroy, who entertained for him the most profound esteem, Al- though thus successful in his views, he did not neglect the interests of his son for whom he at length procured a situation immediatly under his own auspices. Of this circumstance he dispatched intimation to Lady O'Don- nel, directing that Arthur should be sent without delay. - "On the arrival of the packet containing this informa- tion, 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
