On the third day after my arrival in Sydney, I started back for
Melbourne, in the steamer "Warratah," accompanied by Olliphant and
Martha.
On arriving at Melbourne, my sister was taken to the residence of Mrs
Morell, where she had the pleasure of meeting her brother William; and
making the acquaintance of her future sister-in-law.
Sarah Morell and Martha became warm friends upon sight; and on the
evening of our return, a more happy party, than the one assembled in
Mrs Morell's cottage, could not have been found in the colony.
At intervals, a thought of my own life-long disappointment would flash
across my mind; but the sight of so many happy faces around me, would
soon restore me to a feeling of tranquil contentment.
Next day, preparations were made for the double marriage, which took
place shortly after.
The occasion was not marked by any grand ceremonial display--such as I
have often witnessed at the "weddings" of lucky gold-diggers. All the
arrangements were conducted with the same sense of propriety and taste,
that appeared to have guided the previous conduct of the principal
parties concerned.
My brother's honeymoon tour, was to be a voyage in the first ship that
should sail for England. As I did not much like the idea of separating
from him so soon; and, having no great desire to return to the diggings,
I resolved to accompany him.
Olliphant and Martha only remained in Melbourne, until they should see
us off, when they intended returning to Sydney to reside permanently in
that city. The Elephant had gathered gold enough to set him up in some
respectable business; and it was but natural he should prefer New South
Wales--his native country--to any other. I knew that to my sister, all
places were now alike; so long as she should be with her husband.
I do not much like travelling in a ship, where there is a large number
of passengers. It is something like going out for a walk, along a
street crowded with people. When there are many passengers in a vessel,
there are likely to be some of a very disagreeable disposition, that
will be sure to make itself manifest during the voyage. Moreover, in a
crowded ship, the regulations require to be more rigidly enforced--thus
rendering the passage more irksome to all. There is much greater
freedom of action, and generally more amusement, on board a ship
carrying only a limited number of passengers. For this reason, we took
passage in the first cabin of a small vessel--where we knew there would
be only about twenty others besides ourselves.
The ship was bound direct for the port of London; the captain, whose
name was Nowell, was to all appearance a gentleman; the accommodation,
as regarded room and other necessary requirements, was satisfactory; and
we set sail, with every prospect of a pleasant voyage.
As Captain Nowell was a man of sociable inclinings, he soon became a
favourite with all his passengers. Between him and myself an intimacy
arose; and I passed much of my time in his company--either at chess, or
in talking about subjects connected with his calling, which I had not
altogether forgotten. He appeared to take an interest in my future
welfare; so much so, as frequently to converse with me on the subject of
my getting married.
"Lucky gold-diggers," said he, "often go home in my ship in search of a
wife; and not unfrequently get cheated in the quality of the article.
As I have some experience in matrimonial matters, you can't do better
than let me choose a wife for you. Besides," he continued, "I have a
young lady in view, that I think would just suit you. I have long been
in search of a good husband for her; but have not yet met with a man, to
whom I should think of confiding her happiness. From what I have seen
of you, Mr Stone, I fancy I could trust her to your keeping."
Though perfectly indifferent about the captain's protegee, I could not
help acknowledging the compliment.
"I only ask of you," he continued, "to make no rash engagements, after
you arrive in England. Do nothing in that line till you have seen the
girl; and then if you don't like her, there's no harm done."
I thanked the captain for his offer; and sighed, as I thought of the
cruel fate, that had placed an impassible barrier between me and Lenore.
There is one thing in my narrative, that may appear remarkable to the
reader--perhaps scarce truthful; and that is, the facility with which I
made so many friends. An explanation of this may not be out of place.
I was always in earnest in what little I had to say. No one could
converse long with me, without discovering that I was sincere in what I
said. I do not claim this as a trait of character peculiar to myself;
but I do affirm--as far as my experience has instructed me--that it is
not so with the majority of mankind. Language is too often used, as the
means for concealing thoughts--instead of expressing them.
Thousands of people say what they do not mean; and sometimes gain
friends by it. But it is a friendship false as it is fleeting; and
often confers on him who obtains it, more disappointment and trouble,
than he would be likely to have with avowed enemies.
Nothing transpired during our home voyage, worthy of particular notice.
After passing some small islands, that lie near the coast of Port
Philip, we never sighted land again for three months!
On the ninety-second day of our voyage, the cheering cry of "Land ho!"
resounded through the ship; and, hastening on deck, we looked upon the
white cliffs of Dover.
Great was the joy of Mrs Morell and her daughter, at once more
beholding their native shores; and I could envy my brother, who had
contributed so much to the happiness of others, and at the same time so
successfully established his own.
We landed at Portsmouth; and proceeded to London by rail. Before
parting with Captain Nowell--who had to remain a few days with his
ship--I promised to visit him in his London house--the address of which
he had already made known to me.
A few hours after, I entered, for the first time, within the limits of
the world's metropolis.
Volume Three, Chapter XXIII.