tokens of good health.

I saw that Smith was more attentive on our return than perhaps there was
any occasion for; and I also noticed that the woman appeared anxious
that he should have the best of every thing, and helped him twice to our
once.

There was no occasion for our complaining, however, although we did joke
Smith upon the conquest he had made, and asked if he had named the happy
day; questions which he took in very good part, in spite of the blushes
which mantled his sun-burned face.

That evening I offered my sincere congratulations, when Smith, after a
confused account of what he wanted to do, informed me with an air of
secrecy, that he had spoken to Becky, and that she had returned an
answer that she thought she could make him happy the remainder of his
life.

"But when is the wedding to take place?" I asked, coolly lighting my
pipe; for the reader will please to note that it was not I who
contemplated the awful act, and therefore I could condole with other
people's woes with great equanimity.

"Well, I'd like to have it take place immediately, but there's no parson
near," replied Smith, with great deliberation and solemnity.

Like all lovers, he wished to hasten his fate, and have the affair off
his mind.

"But what will you do with your wife while absent with a load at the
mines?" I asked.

"O, we've fixed all that--Becky and I have. She will live at our house
in Melbourne, where she can be nice and comfortable, until I'm rich
enough to start some kind of business in the city, when I can remain at
home and enjoy her society."

I looked at the man, and actually compared him to a young lover, sighing
at the first thoughts of his mistress, and picturing to himself how
happy he could be with her in a cottage.

I filled my pipe afresh, and smoked for a few minutes in silence.

"Becky tells me that she took a fancy to me on the night that Gulpin
assaulted the house. She thought I acted like a man on that trying
occasion." Ungrateful Beck, to thus forget the valuable services of
Fred and myself. Love had indeed blinded her, for all that was noble and
generous was centred in Smith.

"Well, Smith," I said, extending my hand, "I give you joy, and hope that
nothing will ever occur to disturb your happiness. I should like to be
present at the ceremony, but I fear that it will be impossible."

"I don't know as it is so very difficult. There are parsons at the
mines, and Ballarat is nearer than Melbou