too; rather
romantically situated."

"I should really like to see it, for I want to study Australian scenery
and Australian manners during my short stay in the colony, to see as
much as I can while I am among you savages."

"Then, shall it be a ride or a drive?" asked Dr. Grant.

"I think I should prefer driving," said Harriett; "but I must first
consult Mrs. Phillips. I do not suppose that she can enlighten me much,
but as Stanley's wife I owe her that courtesy." So Harriett, with a
condescending smile, took leave of her admirer.

Mrs. Phillips was in an exceedingly bad humour, but she made no
objection to Harriett's going away. She did not quite believe in the
zeal for the children's music or for her comfort, which Miss Phillips
professed, but she was tired of having the name of her society without
the reality of it. As for the impropriety of her sister-in-law's
travelling all that distance with a single gentleman, either riding or
driving, Mrs. Phillips had never decided any question of the kind for
herself or others since she had been married. She had always acted as
her husband thought proper, that is to say, she might often have made
mistakes or done wrong if he had not prevented her, and the proposition
did not strike her as at all objectionable. Elsie wondered if there was
an engagement between her and Dr. Grant, when a young lady of such
strict principles proposed so singular an expedition. Harriett was not
at all quick at reading countenances, and was particularly dull in the
interpretation of Elsie's; but as some idea of the kind had dimly
occurred to herself, she gave it voice and explained her views on the
subject, in Elsie's hearing, to Mrs. Phillips.

"Of course I should never think of such an adventurous journey in
England, but here it seems the fashion to do just as is most convenient
to ourselves; and for your sake and that of the children, I think it is
better that I should go first. Dr. Grant being a professional man, and
such an old friend of my brother's, will be an excellent escort, and I
am really desirous of seeing a little of the roughness of colonial
life. We will stay all night at Mr. Ballantyne's, and reach Wiriwilta
in good time the second day. I will see to have everything comfortable
for you, Lily, my dear, before you come up. I wish you could accompany
me. Dr. Grant says you could go up now, if you were disposed."

"I am not going to Wiriwilta till Stanley comes himself to fetch me