'And you are sure of all this?' said my mother.
O'Grady bowed deeply, but without speaking, while his features assumed an expression of severe determination I had never witnessed before. I could not help remarking, that, amid the dismay such an announcement created in that gossiping and calumnious assembly, my cousin Julia's eyes shone with an added lustre, and her whole face beamed with a look of proud and exalted beauty.
This was now the time to tell O'Grady my secret; and drawing him towards a window, I said—
'Phil, I can wait no longer—you must hear it. I'm going to be married.'
The words had not left my lips, when O'Grady started back, his face as pale as death, and his whole frame trembling with eagerness. By a violent effort, however, he rallied; and as he clutched my arm with his fingers, he said—
'I must be going; these good people have made me forget an appointment. Make my respectful homage to her ladyship—and the bride. I shall see you before I leave.'
'Leave! Why, where are you thinking of going?'
'To India.'
'To India!' said Julia, starting round as he spoke.
'To India!' said I, in amazement.