"The mistress of the mansion came,
Mature of age, a graceful dame;
And every courteous rite was paid,
That hospitality could claim."
SIR W. SCOTT.
"I believe I have the pleasure of addressing Mr. Rainsfield," said John
Ferguson, as he rode up to a gentleman at Strawberry Hill, who by his
appearance indicated himself as the proprietor of the station.
"That is my name," replied he addressed; "and I presume I have the
honour of meeting Mr. Ferguson?"
John acknowledging to his appellation, dismounted from his horse, and
shaking hands with his newly-made acquaintance, the latter remarked: "I
have to apologize, Mr. Ferguson, for not making my respects to you
before; but you will pardon me, when I tell you I have been away from
the station for some little time, and it was only yesterday when I
returned, that my people told me of your settlement. However, I am happy
that you have anticipated me in this visit; and if you are not in any
very particular hurry, let one of my fellows put your horse in the
stable, and just step into the house, that I may introduce you to the
folks inside. They will be delighted, I am sure, that you have favoured
us by introducing yourself;" saying which, he called one of the boys
about the place to look after John's steed, while he led its owner to
the dwelling. Of the mansion itself we need say nothing: it was simply a
weather-boarded verandah cottage; the like of which is to be met with so
frequently in the bush, as to give the idea of their being built to an
universal plan; it was neat, and apparently comfortable.
When John Ferguson entered with Mr. Rainsfield he was ushered at once
into the sitting-room; where, at the table, sat two ladies busily
employed on some description of needlework, whose destined use was a
mystery to the uninitiated. On the table before them, and at their feet,
were strewn their necessary paraphernalia; and so busily engaged were
they at their occupation, that they were not aware of the presence of
any one besides themselves, until Mr. Rainsfield gave them notice of the
fact by remarking, "Mr. Ferguson has waived all ceremony, my dear, and
called upon us to make himself known, and commence a friendship, which I
trust will remain uninterrupted."
The ladies then rose, and were introduced to John, as "Mrs. Rainsfield,
my wife," and "Miss Rainsfield, my cousin;" and both expressed to our
hero their welcomes and delight, that they had been so fortunate as to
secure friendly and companionable neighbours. Mrs. Rainsfield at once
gave a _carte blanche_ to the young man and his brother; and stated
that she hoped she would see as much of them at Strawberry Hill as their
time would admit, and trusted that their society would be a mutual
enjoyment.
John expressed himself highly flattered with his kind reception and
invitations; and in the name of his brother and himself, promised to
avail himself frequently of their hospitality, from which he anticipated
much pleasure. But leaving them to continue their conversation without
interruption, we will, with the indulgence of the reader, describe the
several members of the Rainsfield family.
Mr. John Rainsfield, the proprietor of the station, was a gentleman of
about two-and-thirty years of age; his appearance was what might be
called gentlemanly; though, while being perhaps prepossesing, having
nothing about it to attract any particular attention. In his disposition
he was thought to be morose; though it was not indicative of a confirmed
ill-temper, but arose from a reserve occasioned by a distaste for the
popular practices of his neighbours. Those who knew him found him
anything but distant, and by his friends he was pronounced a
good-hearted fellow. It is true, on his station, he was a strict
disciplinarian, and had a mortal enmity to the blacks; notwithstanding
which he was usually liked by his men, and rarely had so much trouble
with the aborigines as his neighbours. His history was that of most of
his class; an emigration to the country to better his circumstances, and
a pastoral servitude in various grades, until he had accumulated
sufficient to either take up or purchase country, and procure a flock of
sheep; which could have been purchased at a few shillings a-head. Thus,
having once procured a start, his success was almost certain; and, in
fact, at the time of which we write, he had firmly established himself
in a position of comfort and respectability.
Mrs. Rainsfield was a lady some few years the junior of her husband; was
kind and amiable, with a pleasing expression of countenance, which, if
not absolutely pretty, was certainly winning, and calculated to demand
attention. The attachment between herself and her husband had been a
very early one; and when he had left his native land to seek his fortune
in a far away home, it had been determined that as soon as he was in a
position to support her, she should join him in Australia. This plan had
been carried out; and after a short sojourn in the country he had been
enabled to send home for her. She joyfully responded to his call, and
upon her arrival was united to her faithful lover. Since their union
their life had been an uninterrupted course of domestic bliss; and they
were blessed, at the period of our narrative, with four pledges of their
happiness.
Eleanor Rainsfield, who, as already introduced to the reader as Mr.
Rainsfield's cousin, was the daughter of that gentleman's deceased
uncle, who had early emigrated, with a newly-married wife, to the
colony. He was by profession a medical man, and for many years during
his early residence in the country, pursued his avocation profitably;
but in the midst of an extending practice he lost his wife, to whom he
was fondly and devotedly attached. The effect of this blow he never
thoroughly got over, but gradually became in every respect an altered
man. From one of unflinching energy and firm determination, he
degenerated into a desponding, weak, and vacillating imbecile; and
lingered on in a mental aberration for some two years, when he died.
During the period of his distraction it is not surprising that his
practice rapidly declined, and ultimately became completely destroyed;
hence, upon his demise, his family were left perfectly destitute.
From the time of her mother's death Eleanor became the director of all
the family affairs, and the domestic responsibility gave her an
appearance of thoughtfulness and care hardly consistent with one so
young; while the effects still adhering to her, her manner seemed to
retain an habitual reserve and melancholy. At the period of her
introduction to John Ferguson she was about sixteen; her figure, though
not absolutely slender, was light and active, and of that altitude
which, in women, would be considered the medium; not so short as to
appear little, nor so tall but that she could look up to a man of
ordinary stature. Her form was well modelled, and rounded off to
perfection. Her shoulders were of that description so generally
fashioned by the chisel of the sculptor, though, possibly, they were
rather a shade too broad; being such as would give the beholder the idea
of the owner, when more matured, of being a "fine woman." Her movements
were effected with a native grace, at once denoting the lady; and her
elasticity of tread, and firmness of step, were only equalled by her
loftiness of carriage. Her face was of the oval form, with a wide marble
forehead (which, but for her winning modesty and gentle manner, would
have been considered as bearing the stamp of coldness and hauteur);
eyebrows so well defined, as almost to give an idea of pencilling; deep
blue lustrous eyes, protected by long lashes; a nose slightly tending to
the aquiline; a mouth of enticing sweetness, and an alabaster cheek,
almost imperceptibly tinged with the faintest pink. Her hair of "bonny
brown," and of which she had a luxuriant crop, was worn slightly off the
cheek. Her dress was neatness and elegance combined; so made as to come
up to the throat, and there terminate in a neat open collar; under which
was a pink ribbon, contrasting pleasingly with the otherwise
pale-looking features of the wearer. Her sleeves ended in a band, which
encircled her wrists, and displayed a pair of hands, rivalling in
symmetry the choicest sculpture, and in whiteness the calico on which
she was industriously employing herself. Her features, though not
perfect, were calm and beautifully expressive, and the lustre of her
complexion at once struck the beholder with admiration; while, to her,
affectation being unknown, the easy confidence with which she
approached and welcomed a stranger, rendered her perfectly bewitching;
and to this description we may add, that, though in the florescence of
youth, she was in the full bloom of womanhood.
Start not, gentle reader, at the paradox we have uttered; for in
Australia, that land of precocity, where both vegetable and animal
nature shoots up into maturity so quickly, the transition appears almost
miraculous; and those we have known yesterday as children, we are
surprised, probably, after a year or two's absence, to see grown to man
or woman's estate. Such cases are not the exception, but the rule. So,
therefore, be not surprised when we state that at an age, when, in this
staid old-fashioned going country, match-making matrons may be thinking
of introducing their daughters to the world, their cognates, the fair
"corn-stalks" of Australia, will not only have long since made their
_debut_ in society, but have settled into devoted wives and happy
mothers. And, bless their little hearts! we doubt not, but that, as
they are matured both in person and mind at an earlier age, and have
consequently less time and opportunities to acquire the deceptions of
society, they are as much, if not more, calculated to fulfil their
worldly destiny, with credit to themselves and happiness to their
concomitants, as their more favoured sisters of our own glorious isle.
Eleanor Rainsfield, as we have hinted, retained a cast of melancholy in
her features, which gave her an appearance of coldness and reserve to
strangers, aided, perhaps, by a natural diffidence and desire for
seclusion; which she preferred to thrusting herself forward, or mixing
much with the world. When known, however, she was gentle and kind, with
an amiability and candour exceedingly attractive; and when interested
with the conversation of one for whom she entertained respect, a smile
usually played over her placid features and made her perfectly
irresistible. This smile would vanish with the cessation of the
conversation, and the evanescent animation pass with it; leaving the
stranger in doubt, when gazing on the returning gloom, if the former
sunshine had been the effect of pleasurable emotions, or a shadowing
forth of a latent melancholy. She was highly accomplished, and her mind
was the emblem of purity itself. Her present refuge had been offered to
her by her cousin upon the death of her father, and gratefully accepted;
while the remainder of the family had been dispersed amongst various
relatives.
The other members of the Rainsfield family were the children, of whom we
have already made mention, and Thomas Rainsfield, a junior brother of
the proprietor of the station, with whom he was "acquiring experience."
He was a fine, frank, open-hearted young fellow of about
three-and-twenty; but as he was absent from home at the period of which
we write, we will defer introducing him to the reader until we can do so
in _propria personae_. In a small cottage, a short distance from the
house, resided Mr. Billing (who acted as clerk and storekeeper, and
whose duties were to keep the accounts of the station, and distribute
the rations to the men) and his wife (who officiated as governess); with
sundry olive branches, who bore unmistakeable evidences, from their
facial delineations, of their Billing paternity.
John Ferguson, in a few words, explained the nature of the mishap which
had occasioned his visit, and begged Mr. Rainsfield to supply his wants,
until such time as he could receive a further supply. The required
accommodation was willingly acceded to; and Mr. Rainsfield remarked that
he would give instructions to Mr. Billing to send it over to Fern Vale,
the first time that he sent out the rations; and as that would be on the
following day, he had no doubt that the arrangement would suit his
neighbour.
John replied to Mr. Rainsfield, that he was exceedingly obliged to him
for his kind offer; but stated that as he would be returning to the
station at once, he would save him the trouble by taking a bag with him
on his horse.
"Nonsense," cried his entertainer, "I can never think of letting you
leave us in such a hurry; you have nothing that requires your immediate
return, and you may as well favour us with your company for a few days,
at any rate until you hear of the approach of your sheep; by which time
I expect Tom will have returned, and no doubt we may manage to give you
a hand to get them over the river. Besides, the ladies are always
complaining of _ennui_, and will be happy of your society in the
disposal of a few leisure hours. I am sure I need not appeal to my wife,
to confirm my welcome; for though she now preserves a strict silence, I
know she is desirous for you to remain."
"Indeed, my dear," replied the lady, "you are perfectly correct in your
conjectures. I should indeed be pleased if Mr. Ferguson would remain
with us for a few days; not to make a convenience of him in the manner
which you describe, but to impress him with a favourable idea of the
neighbours amongst whom he has settled. So, if he will allow himself to
be persuaded, we will arrange his domestication in as short a time as
possible."
"I am exceedingly indebted to you, Mrs. Rainsfield, for your expression
of kind feeling," exclaimed John; "and, if not putting you to too great
inconvenience, I will accept the hospitality of your worthy husband and
yourself, to await the approach of my brother."
"Inconvenience?" replied Mrs. Rainsfield; "who ever heard of
inconvenience in the bush? I have long forgotten the application of the
word; and at any rate, if I could call to mind its meaning, I never
could think of allowing it to influence me, when the wishes of my
husband are in question;" saying which, and looking archly at her
spouse, she quitted the room.
"Ah! she's up to some little game now;" exclaimed that victim
laughingly, as his wife left the apartment: "depend upon it she intends
backing up that soft soap, with some little scheme of personal
aggrandizement. You can't think, my dear sir," he continued, addressing
John Ferguson, "how these women manage to get round us, when they take
it into their little heads to flatter our vanity. If ever you submit to
the thraldom of a marital character, you must be proof against that
weakness."
"I have no idea of the nature of the bondage to be borne by you
self-constituted slaves," replied John; "but judging from what I have
witnessed in this house, I should imagine the allegiance required from
you was not exacting, nor the servitude of a crushing nature. What do
you think, Miss Rainsfield," said he, turning to the young lady; "is
your cousin's case a specimen of the general rule or a solitary
exception?"
"Well, sir, I can hardly say," she replied; "but would think the
happiness of a married life depended in a great measure upon a
congeniality of temper, mutual forbearance, and reciprocity of kindly
feeling, existing between the parties concerned; and that if amiability
is allied to impetuosity, or petulance to generosity, the result must
necessarily prove disastrous."
"Well done, my little oracle," ejaculated her cousin; "there now, sir,
you have a dissertation on matrimony, and a moral, the truth of which I
doubt if you'll ever dispute. But my cousin has surely turned
philosopher, and is moralizing in expectancy on her own engagement; but
forgive me, Nell" (he continued, as the young lady cast a reproachful
look at him that made him regret the allusion), "I did not intend to
pain you by any reference to your _affair d'amour_; I had no idea it was
an unpleasant subject with you." So, after making what he thought the
_amende honorable_ to his cousin; but in reality only doing, as all men
do who attempt to explain away some pain-giving remark; that is, adding
poignancy to the wounding shaft; he led off his visitor to accompany him
round the station.
In accepting the invitation to sojourn with this family for a few days,
we suspect it was something more than the mere desire to wait for his
brother, that influenced John Ferguson. It had been his intention, when
he left his own place, to proceed on the road to meet William, and lend
him his assistance in driving the sheep; and, therefore, there appears
something inexplicable in his remaining inactive at Strawberry Hill.
Could it be that any feeling of admiration for his entertainer's fair
cousin had exercised any spell in his detention; or that he was merely
pleased with the people with whom he found himself, and desired to
cultivate their acquaintance? We suspect, rather, that the fascination
of the young lady was the secret cause, though, perhaps, unknown even to
John himself. 'Tis true, he could not divest his thoughts of her image;
from passing events they continually wandered, and incessantly reverted
to a contemplation of her calm and placid features. In his thoughts,
Eleanor Rainsfield was ever present; and though each meditation of her
intruded itself without causing a thought of the nature of the feeling
he was fostering, he at last found himself deeply involved in a mental
enunciation of her charms; which concluded in the decision, that she was
indeed a creature to be prized; and if not perfection itself, the
nearest approach to it, that it is the fortune of mortals to witness.
"She really is a charming girl," he mentally exclaimed; "but why am I
continually thinking of her? I have no desire to be married; besides
which, her cousin taxed her with an engagement, and, by the bye, she did
not relish the allusion. I wonder what it can mean; she seemed dejected
too; and, now I remember, she appeared to lay particular stress upon the
requisites that ensured happiness to the married state. She must already
be engaged, and that engagement, if I divine rightly, cannot be
congenial to her spirit; there is some slight mystery that requires
solving. Dear me!" he continued, after a few moments of inert
meditation, "I can't get that girl out of my head. I can't think what
makes me take such an interest in her affairs; it is surely no concern
of mine. I must shake off the thoughts of her:" and with that amiable
determination he commenced whistling a popular air to delude himself,
while he turned to his companion, who had in the meantime stopped in his
walk to watch his abstractedness.
After spending some time in looking over the domestic arrangements of
the station, the two gentlemen bent their steps to the Wombi river. In
the course of their walk John Ferguson remarked, that he thought the
present crossing-place did not appear a very judicious choice, and asked
his companion if a safer and more eligible spot could not be found.
"I think not," replied Mr. Rainsfield. "At the place where you crossed
the river it is at its widest point; and at the time I selected it, it
was the shallowest part of the stream. Then there was a sand bank right
in the bed of the river, which made a crossing quite practicable; but,
since the last 'fresh' I find the sand bank is washed away, and nothing
is now left in its place but a deposit of mud; so I fear nothing will
improve it now. I have had an idea for some time of putting up a bridge,
if I could get any of the settlers to join me; but you see at present
there is no one besides you and I, who would be benefitted by it; and it
would be rather too expensive an undertaking for us to perform by
ourselves."
"As you say," replied Ferguson, "at present we are the only ones that
would be convenienced by its erection; but if we can't procure any
assistance from government, we might induce Mr. Robert Smithers to join
us: for if he has taken up all the country down the river bank for the
distance which I understand he has, it would be to his interest to
afford us assistance; for a bridge over the Wombi would materially
affect the sale of his runs."
"I am inclined to differ from you there," said Mr. Rainsfield. "I don't
think Smithers would see the advantage in the same light which you and I
do; he is perfectly aware that any one wanting the country, would be
very little influenced by the existence of a river in his way. People
are too well accustomed to such impediments, and, I doubt not, would
make a deviation of fifty miles from the direct course, by travelling up
the stream to find another crossing, rather than expend a small sum in
putting up a bridge, for, what they would consider, our exclusive
benefit. And as to government assistance, you might as soon expect the
aid of Jupiter. Never, until the country is settled some hundreds of
miles further out, and they have, after repeated importunities,
established a post-office somewhere beyond this, and had half the
postmen in the country drowned from swimming the river in times of
flood, would they think a bridge at all necessary. If you like to
accompany me to the river I will show you a spot I have often looked
upon as a likely one for a bridge; where the banks are steep and the
river narrow. I think a log bridge could be put over at a very moderate
cost, and if we can induce Bob Smithers to fall into our views (though I
doubt it), I would propose that we go about it at once. To ascertain his
inclination, however, I will write him; and if I think any good can be
done, I will myself ride over to Brompton and see him."
The plan met with the ready concurrence of John Ferguson; and they
continued their walk, to look at the spot to which Mr. Rainsfield
referred; and arriving there, they stood contemplating its advantages.
As Mr. Rainsfield had remarked, the banks were very steep and lofty; and
the river confined within narrow limits, ran more rapidly than
elsewhere. On the sloping banks grew some gigantic gum trees, which Mr.
Rainsfield proposed felling in such a way, as to fall across the stream
(which he calculated they would do); and then two or three so placed,
with a flooring of smaller saplings, and a coating of earth, a
substantial, and economical structure could be erected; while with a
little labour expended in partially levelling the approaches, it would
answer the purposes of the most solid edifice. They both agreed that the
site was an eligible one, and offered facilities which should not be
neglected; and with this belief, and determining to use some exertions
to carry out their idea, they turned to retrace their steps to the
house; when Mr. Rainsfield drew John's attention to the forms of some
aborigines, who were skulking behind the trees in the distance on the
opposite side of the river.
"Those fellows," said he, "are all abroad; their camp is on the other
side of the Gibson, in the scrub below us; and they evidently want to
get over here, to cross by 'the flats' beyond our place, instead of
swimming the river above. Bob Smithers must be out of the way, or they
would not venture a chance of falling in with him; he always keeps them
off his brother's run if he can help it; and he generally succeeds, for
he has the active management of the station, and his word is law. I
have been obliged to follow his example lately myself, for I have been
so much troubled by their pilfering, that I have determined to keep them
away from the place. Not long ago, I caught one of them walking off with
one of the men's rations, which the stupid fellow left exposed; and I
gave the delinquent a charge of shot, which made him speedily relinquish
his booty, and impart to his tribe a healthy dread of the consequences
of pilfering from Strawberry Hill. Now, unfortunately, I anticipate
further trouble with them; for the blackguards have got a ruffian
amongst them who is perfectly conversant with our usages and customs;
and he has assumed the chiefship of the tribe."
"I had a visit from them myself yesterday," replied John, "and detained
two of their boys on my station. I expect to be able to make use of them
in many ways; and, if need be, I can keep them as hostages for the well
behaviour of their countrymen."
"I am afraid that you are labouring under a delusion," said Rainsfield;
"and you will find that you are adopting the very worst course you
could. By retaining those fellows on your station you will encourage the
others of the tribe to come on your run: indeed, while you detain these
boys, you will not be able to keep their friends away. And if they take
into their heads to rob you (which in all probability they will), the
two that you have in your service will be made by their fellows to
communicate regular intelligence of your movements; and you will find
you have been harbouring a viper in your bosom."
"I have already," replied John, "been inclined to think that kind
treatment towards the blacks is better policy than harshness;
conciliation is more natural than banishment; and I cannot think any
race of savages can be so morally depraved as to commit depredations on
their benefactors. They are far more likely to indulge in acts of
reprisal, where their evil passions are excited by cupidity, or
animated by a thirst to revenge some act of aggression or cruelty. For
my own part (and my brother agrees with me in the policy), I intend to
cultivate their good feeling, by acting towards them in a kindly manner;
of course with a certain degree of firmness; for I would resent any of
their peccadillos. I am fully cognizant of their predilection for
appropriation, and will take every precaution to prevent an exercise of
their propensities; but, at the same time, I can't reconcile myself to
the idea, of visiting petty delinquencies with the severity which you
recommend."
"Well, we shall see how you succeed," returned his companion; "I found
from experience it was perfectly impossible to preserve order, and
retain my property, while the black villains were permitted to overrun
my place; and I had no peace until I adopted stringent measures, and got
rid of their annoyance by expatriation. I don't believe your principle
of leniency is practicable, and am convinced you will soon have cause to
regret its trial, and will be brought to my way of thinking; therefore,
I should strongly advise you to relinquish the idea at once, and relieve
yourself of an immensity of trouble and anxiety in the future."
"No," replied John, "my mind is fixed; I am determined to try the
working of my plan, and am sanguine of success. It is true the blacks in
this part of the country, are wilder than those I have been accustomed
to mix with; but I've very little doubt, but that I'll be able to live
on terms of amity with them, and avoid all those hostile contiguities,
which we are led to expect are incidental on a residence in this
district."
"Well," said Rainsfield, "I must confess myself sceptical of a
favourable result, and only trust your experiment may not have a
tragical termination; for I've no faith in the aborigines: they are
treacherous in the extreme, and will commit any act of violence to
possess themselves of a coveted article. I myself have known shepherds
on out-stations murdered by them, for the sake of their rations, or
even a blanket, which had excited their avarice."
"It is true," said John, "we hear of such cases; but, in nine out of
ten, I believe the black perpetrating the act of violence, has been one
who has been domesticated with the whites; and having been brought into
contact with the vilest of our race, and acquired all the vices which
have been daily presented to his sight, it is not to be wondered at,
that (having these constantly submitted to him for his example and
emulation, and without the influence of moral obligations) he should
perpetrate the very acts he has heard lightly treated of, or perhaps
extolled. But, with the aboriginal in his native state, and without the
degrading influence of civilised immorality, you rarely, or never, meet
with such violation of the ethical and natural laws."
"The very depravity which you have described," replied the other, "is
the accomplishment possessed by the chief of that tribe which is our
neighbour; so you know exactly what you have to expect from him and
his."
"I doubt not," said John, "if the fellow is of the nature you mention,
he will have sufficient cunning, and natural instinct, to perceive that
a friendly intercourse with me will be more advantageous to him than a
constant warfare; for, after all, these fellows must be gifted with
reasoning faculties. They must know, that where their visits are
permitted so long as they maintain their integrity, and their wants to a
certain extent supplied, it is far better for them to continue that
state of peacefulness, than by an act of aggression to forfeit the
privilege for ever."
"I see," said Rainsfield, "you are enthusiastically intent upon pursuing
this plan of ingratiating yourself with your sable neighbours; and I
sincerely trust your good intentions may not be misdirected."
By this time the peripatetic disquisition was terminated by the friends
reaching the house; and, entering the sitting-room, they found the
ladies had for some time been waiting their return. Upon an enquiry from
Mrs. Rainsfield, what had detained them so long, her husband replied,
"Nothing very particular, my dear; we strolled down to the Wombi to look
at a spot where a bridge could be thrown across, and Mr. Ferguson and I
got into a discussion about the blacks; and he defended them in such an
able and spirited manner that the time slipped by unconsciously. You
must know, my dear, our friend here is going to establish himself on a
friendly footing with the black fellows; and I shouldn't be surprised to
see a model black settlement as the result of his moral training."
"I commend Mr. Ferguson for his justice," replied the lady; and turning
to John, she continued, "I only wish, sir, you could induce my husband
to be of the same way of thinking; for he persists in keeping the poor
creatures aloof from the place, and I am confident they are perfectly
harmless. Before the sentence of banishment was pronounced against
them, we found them exceedingly useful. For some time I had a young
'gin' in the house as a servant, and she was quite as handy as any white
one I ever had; besides which, she was very partial to the children, and
they were very fond of her."
"I am delighted, my dear madam," exclaimed our hero, "to think that my
views meet with your approval; and I have no doubt that when I prove
their practicability, I shall be enabled to induce your husband to adopt
them." With this remark he turned to Miss Rainsfield, and met her
gaze, which was fixed upon his features with a smile of approval. She
hastily removed her eyes, when she perceived John had noticed her; but
not before the momentary glance had penetrated his heart, and rendered
him thoughtful and abstracted for the remainder of the evening.