"So much for a maiden attempt at economy!" Towards five o'clock he took his seat in an omnibus that plied between the city and the seaside suburb of St.Kilda, three miles off.

A cool breeze went; the hoofs of the horses beat a rataplan on the hard surface; the great road, broad enough to make three of, was alive with smart gigs and trotters.
St.Kilda was a group of white houses facing the Bay.

Most were o' weatherboard with brick chimneys; but there were also a few of a more solid construction.

Mahony's goal was one of these: a low, stone villa surrounded by verandahs, in the midst of tasteful grounds.

The drive up to the door led through a shrubbery, artfully contrived of the native ti-tree; behind the house stretched kitchen and fruit-gardens.