desire of return. Ten years have now elapsed, and
I have already obtained a much larger fortune than I had calculated to
make. Sorely to Guy's honest grief, I therefore wound up our affairs
and dissolved partnership; for he had decided to pass his life in the
colony,--and with his pretty wife, who has grown very fond of him, I
don't wonder at it. Guy takes my share of the station and stock off my
hands; and, all accounts squared between us, I bid farewell to the Bush.
Despite all the motives that drew my heart homeward, it was not without
participation in the sorrow of my old companions that I took leave of
those I might never see again on this side the grave. The meanest man
in my employ had grown a friend; and when those hard hands grasped mine,
and from many a breast that once had waged fierce war with the world
came the soft blessing to the Homeward-bound,--with a tender thought for
the Old England that had been but a harsh stepmother to them,--I felt a
choking sensation which I suspect is little known to the friendships
of Mayfair and St. James's. I was forced to get off with a few broken
words, when I had meant to part with a long speech,--perhaps the broken
words pleased the audience better. Spurring away, I gained a little
eminence and looked back. There were the poor faithful fellows gathered
in a ring, watching me, their hats off, their hands shading their eyes
from the sun. And Guy had thrown himself on the ground, and I heard his
loud sobs distinctly. His wife was leaning over his shoulder, trying
to soothe. Forgive him, fair helpmate; you will be all the world to
him--to-morrow! And the blue-eyed sister, where was she? Had she no
tears for the rough friend who laughed at the silk shoes, and taught her
how to hold the reins and never fear that the old pony would run away
with her? What matter? If the tears were shed, they were hidden tears.
No shame in them, fair Ellen! Since then thou hast wept happy tears over
thy first-born,--those tears have long ago washed away all bitterness in
the innocent memories of a girl's first fancy.

CHAPTER VI.

Dated From Adelaide.

Imagine my wonder! Uncle Jack has just been with me, and--But hear the
dialogue.

Uncle Jack.--"So you are positively going back to that smoky, fusty Old
England, just when you are on your high road to a plum,--a plum, sir, at
least! They all say there is not a more rising young man in the colony.
I think Bullion would take you into part