from Yabba Yallook station. He did not wish to meet any of the
gay society which was there, knowing that since his trial he was an
object of curiosity and sympathy to everyone--a position galling enough
to his proud nature.

At Christmas time Mr. Frettlby had asked several people up from
Melbourne, and though Madge would rather have been left alone, yet she
could not refuse her father, and had to play hostess with a smiling
brow and aching heart.

Felix Rolleston, who a month since had joined the noble army of
benedicts, was there with Mrs. Rolleston, NEE Miss Featherweight, who
ruled him with a rod of iron. Having bought Felix with her money, she
had determined to make good use of him, and, being ambitious to shine
in Melbourne society, had insisted upon Felix studying politics, so
that when the next general election came round he could enter
Parliament. Felix had rebelled at first, but ultimately gave way, as he
found that when he had a good novel concealed among his parliamentary
papers time passed quite pleasantly, and he got the reputation of a
hard worker at little cost. They had brought up Julia with them, and
this young person had made up her mind to become the second Mrs.
Frettlby. She had not received much encouragement, but, like the
English at Waterloo, did not know when she was beaten, and carried on
the siege of Mr. Frettlby's heart in an undaunted manner.

Dr. Chinston had come up for a little relaxation, and gave never a
thought to his anxious patients or the many sick-rooms he was in the
habit of visiting. A young English fellow, called Peterson, who amused
himself by travelling; an old colonist, full of reminiscences of the
old days, when, "by gad, sir, we hadn't a gas lamp in the whole of
Melbourne," and several other people, completed the party. They had all
gone off to the billiard-room, and left Madge in her comfortable chair,
half-asleep.

Suddenly she started, as she heard a step behind her, and turning, saw
Sal Rawlins, in the neatest of black gowns, with a coquettish white cap
and apron, and an open book. Madge had been so delighted with Sal for
saving Brian's life that she had taken her into her service as maid.
Mr. Frettlby had offered strong opposition at first that a fallen woman
like Sal should be near his daughter; but Madge was determined to
rescue the unhappy girl from the life of sin she was leading, and so at
last he reluctantly consented. Brian, too, had objected, but ultimately