once set off for the kloof
where the new _Eurema_ was discovered. They returned late in the
evening; the Professor had captured a number of specimens, and although
fatigued, was triumphantly happy. Horace stayed a week with them after
this, with the natural result that at the end of that time he and Rose
Vanning were engaged, with the Professor's entire consent. The new
butterfly--which, partly out of compliment to Rose, partly from its own
peculiar colouring, was unanimously christened _Eurema Rosa_--was
exhibited by Horace and the Professor jointly and with great _eclat_ at
an early meeting of the Entomological Society.

Horace and Rose's marriage is a very happy one. And, as they both
laughingly agree--for the old gentleman often reminds them of the fact--
they may thank the Professor's butterfly (the famous _Achraea
Parchelli_) for the lucky chance that first threw them together.

CHAPTER FIVE.

A BOER PASTORAL.

It is dim early morning, and upon the vast plains of Great Bushmanland,
in the far north-west of Cape Colony, the air blows fresh and chill,
though the land is Africa, and the time summer. At 4:15 precisely the
bright morning star shoots above the horizon, and rises steadily upward
in a straight, rocket-like ascent.

Now a ruddy colouring tinges the pale grey of the eastern sky, to be
followed by broad rays in delicate blues and greens that strike boldly
for the zenith. The changes of dawn in Africa are swift and very
subtle. Presently these colours fade, and a pale, subdued light rests
upon the earth; the air is full of a clear but cold brightness. Soon
follows the full red-orange, that so gorgeously paints the eastern
horizon, and closely foreruns the sun; and then suddenly the huge
burning disc itself is thrust upon the sky-line, and it is, in South
African parlance, "sun up."

The plains here stretch in illimitable expanse to the horizon. Far to
the west is a range of mountain, forty good miles away, which, in the
clear morning air, stands out as sharply as if but a dozen miles
distant. You may see the dark lines and patches of the time-worn seams
and krantzes that scar its sides. This translucency of atmosphere is
very common in Southern Africa.

The rains have lately fallen, and everywhere around the dry plains have
started at the breath of moisture into a splendid, if short-lived,
beauty. Miles upon miles of flats, all glowing and ablaze with purple
and a rich, flame-like re