My husband bids me say that he will be glad to see every one who can leave the ship this evening at dinner.

What time, my dear ?" "Six, gentlemen," said the governor; and after a little official business the party descended into the boat, and, feeling as if it were all a dream and impossible, Nic sat there being rowed ashore toward Government House, holding his father's hand for the first few minutes till he fancied that he was noticed, and then listening to him as he pointed out the various buildings ashore, and the vessels afloat, two of them being men-of-war, whose rigging was gay with bunting in honour of the governor's lady's return.
"Well, Nic," said his father at last, as they gazed searchingly in each other's eyes, and with the most satisfactory result, "do you think you will like Australia ?" "Like it ?" cried Nic.

"Why, of course, father: isn't it home ?" "Yes, but rather a rough, unpolished place." "What does that matter!" said Nic proudly.

"Shan't I be with you all again ?".