"In the first place, I am promoted to the next rank. I'm in the highest now, next to a County Inspector."
"Oh! Myles, I'm so glad! but you couldn't but know that would be good news to me;—but what else?"
"Why, they've sent me a letter from Dublin, with a lot of blarney about praiseworthy energy and activity, and all that—"
"That's why they've promoted you: but you don't tell me all."
"No, that's not all: then they say they think there's reason why I'd better not stay in this immediate neighbourhood."
"Ah! I thought so!" exclaimed the poor girl; "you're to go away out of this!"
"And they say I'm to commence in the new rank at Cashel, in County Tipperary."
Feemy for a time remained quiet. She was endeavouring to realize to herself the idea that her lover was going away, and then trying in her mind to comprehend whether it must follow naturally, as a consequence from this, that he was going away from her, as well as from Ballycloran. Ussher still stood up by the fireplace, with the same smile on his face. What he had told Feemy was all true; he had unexpectedly received an official letter that morning from the Dublin office, complimenting him on his services, informing him that he was to be moved to a higher grade, and that on his promotion he was to leave Mohill, and take charge of the men stationed at Cashel. All this in itself was very agreeable; promotion and increased pay were of course desirable; Mohill was by no means a residence which it would cause such a man as Ussher much regret to leave; and though he had made up his mind not to fear any injury from those among whom he was situated, he could not but feel that he should be more assured of safety at any other place than that at which he now resided. All this was so far gratifying, but still he was perplexed to think what he should do about Feemy. It was true he could leave her, and let her, if she chose, break her heart; or he might promise to come back and marry her, when he was settled, with the intention of taking no further notice of her after he had left the place;—and so let her break her heart that way. But he was too fond of her for this; he could not decide what he would do; and when he came up to see her at the present time, the only conclusion to which he could bring himself with certainty was this—that nothing should induce him to marry her; but still he did not like to leave her.
He was, however, rather perplexed to know what to say to her, and therefore preferred waiting to see what turn she herself would give to the conversation. At length Feemy said,
"And when do you leave this?"