or some invisible power which threatened to separate their young hearts at this early union? Alas! the mysterious veil could not yet be removed. It might be as well that their present happiness should not be clouded by the misfortunes which were in store for them.
Daylight soon warned them that their absence might be noticed, and which also put an end to the great festival or bonfire, and the happy assembly turned their way towards their respective home's, where the celebrated gathering became one of their fireside sgsulachdare, or winter tales, for years after.
CHAPTER VI.
THE PROPOSAL.
No incident of any import took place since the bonfire at the castle, nor had the principal characters on that occasion met for some time, until one day Mr. McKay sent for Charlie Stuart, intimating that his daughter wished to ride the pony which he had presented to her, and therefore besought him to accompany her in her ride, lest any accident might happen her, or the little animal proving untractable.
We need not mention how happy the young man felt on the occasion, or how gladly he accepted the invitation which would give him another opportunity of conversing, or holding an uninterrupted teté-a-teté with his fair neighbour. Mounting his charger, Black Prince, he rode light-heartedly to his neighbour's house, where he found Bella already robed in her becoming riding-habit, and a man holding the beautiful pony saddled.
"With a bounding heart he sprung from the saddle and assisted Bella into hers, then remounted again, and the pair slowly cantered out of the gate, their eyes brightened with animation at the prospect of a pleasant ride, and each other's company.
Mr. McKay, who saw them starting, followed them with his eyes until they disappeared among the hedges, and murmured with a sigh, "Poor children, how happy! It would be a pity to part them,"—then re-entered his house.
