10 the culture of exotic plants. Arthur, however, desirous of being alone, in rather a haughty tone, told him his presence could be dispensed with.
M'Pherson made his bow and retired, but was so
struck with the beauty of Maria, that, after having re- treated to some distance, he stopped to admire her. Not being aware of who she was, he went among the servants to enquire, and at length ascertained from the footman, who had accompanied the carriage that convey- ed 'Lady O'Donnel and her son to the cottage on the preceding day, that she was the daughter of Capt. Fur- rell, a poor half-pay officer, who had dined with his mistress on that day, and who was then in the drawing- room The suspicions of M'Pherson were now rouzed, and not approving of the apparent close intimacy between his young master and Maria, he returned to the garden in search of them, resolved to watch their actions. He soon traced the happy pair to a summer-house, whither they had retired from the heat of the sun. At the moment M.Pherson, who secreted himself be- hind some shrubs, arrived, Arthur was holding the fair hand of Maria, and in an enraptured tone expressing the impression she had made on his heart. Maria, a stranger to the wiley ways of the world, as freely confessed that she felt for him the affection of a sister. Arthur instantly caught her his arms, and in an extatic embrace, vowed eternal love, and she made a reciprocal promise, and the mutual bond was sealed by a thousand innocent and endearing kisses. The enrap- tured pair now proceeded to the house, ignorant of the spy they had had on their actions, and each delighted with the assurance received from the other, looked for- ward with confidence to future bliss. On entering the drawing-room, tea was served up; and shortly after, Lady O'Donnel ordered her carriage to convey her hum- ble but admired friends to their cottage. On the way home, Capt. Farrell informed Maria, that their benevo-
