He found tears on his cheek and this weakness amazed him, but his thoughts followed each other quickly, disconnectedly, like those of a drunken man; he went home baffled, but clinging to hope with the tenacity of one who feels that despair means death.
Next morning Harry found himself utterly miserable, but still trusting that time would serve to restore Chris her natural cheerful temperament, and bring home to her again the conviction that she really loved him, and then all would be well.
At about half-past two that afternoon Dick Haddon, in his capacity of faithful squire to the two lovers, visited the mine hot-foot, with news for his friend.

Harry was below, but he hastened to answer the boy's message.

He had dreamed of a sudden repentance on his sweetheart's part, and his heart beat fast as Dick beckoned him away from McKnight, who was at the windlass.
'She's gone away,' said the boy eagerly.
'Chris away?
Where's she gone ?' 'She's goin' to Melbourne--going fer years an' years.

Mr.Summers is drivin' her into Yarraman now.

She left a letter for you with mother.
Thought I'd come an' tell you, 'case you might want to go after her.' 'Gone for good!' This possibility had not occurred to the young man.