r appearance, they were
met at the door by the owner of the station.

This gentleman upon witnessing the condition of the young men, and
instantly perceiving them to be of his own order, extended his hand to
each; and expressing his regret at their misfortune, invited them into
the house, and provided them with dry changes. A warm repast was quickly
ready for them; and during its discussion they related their parentage,
destination, and object of their journey, to their new friend, Mr.
Dawson; who proved himself a most agreeable person. He informed them
that he had heard of their father, and was delighted to make the
acquaintance of his sons; he proffered the hospitality of his house for
as long as they wished to stay; and pressed them to prolong their visit.
This, however, would involve a breach of their engagement with Smithers;
and, pleased as they were with the civility and kindness displayed in
the invitation, they regretted they could not, on that occasion, accept
it, and informed their entertainer that their object was to reach
Brompton on the following day; which would necessitate a resumption of
their journey early on the morrow.

Mr. Dawson expressed sorrow that he could not induce them to remain; but
trusted they would make his house their temporary home on some more
convenient occasion; and informing them that he had then got a few
friends stopping with him on a short visit, and who were then assembled
in the drawing-room, he led the Fergusons off to introduce them.

The young men naturally thought the company, to whom they were about to
be ushered, consisted of some of the neighbouring squatters, who had
volunteered their company for a few days to dispel their mutual
monotony. But great was their surprise, when, upon entering a very
comfortably (almost elegantly) furnished room, to see assembled several
ladies, dispersed about the apartment; some in conversation with
gentlemen; others at work, amusing or instructing the children; while
one sat at a handsome cottage piano, running through some new music,
brought to the station by one of her friends; and accompanying herself
on the instrument, while singing in a sweet and melodious voice a new
and popular song. To her, whom he addressed as his wife, the host
introduced our travellers; detailing in a few words, the information
respecting their movements, which they had themselves imparted to him;
and then in turn went through the usual formality with the rem