the Kew Gardens, which, before you leave us,
Harry, I hope we shall go to see.'

Just as Mr. Maitland was beginning to read again, he was interrupted by
a smart rap-tap at the front door; and immediately after, the servant
announced Mr. and Mrs. Norton.

'Dear Laura,' exclaimed Mrs. Maitland, kissing her young friend,' I am
very glad to see you again, though I did not expect you would be out so
early this morning. I see,' added the lady, 'I need not introduce Dora
and Annie; though you did not see them yesterday, it is evident they
have not forgotten you.'

Indeed they had not, for each had seized a hand of their favourite, and
had given and received a warm salute.

While these kindly salutations were going on, Mr. Maitland and Harry
were exchanging courtesies with their friend Mr. Norton, for Cousin
Harry was no stranger to that gentleman, who had often been a visitor at
his father's house--or rather I should say rectory, in Kent--always an
agreeable one, for he had travelled much, and could make himself a most
interesting companion.

'I did not tell you yesterday, Mr. Maitland,' said their visitor, 'that
we leave England for Australia in a week's time; I know under the
circumstances you will excuse this early and unceremonious visit, as we
wish to spend as much time as possible with our friends, and to have
some little excursions with the young people.'

'Are you really going to leave England so soon, and going so far away?'
inquired Mr. Maitland, rather dolefully. 'I am so sorry for our own
sakes, but I hope it will be to your own great advantage.'

'Yes, I hope so too,' replied Mr. Norton; 'our prospects are very fair;
the climate is good, and I have many friends located there.'

'And you will be in the native land of this magnificent tree we have
been reading about,' said Harry, 'the blue gum tree. Do, Mr. Norton,
write and tell us all you know about it.'

'Harry is quite sceptical respecting its merits,' said Mr. Maitland,
laughing. 'I do hope you will be able to convince him that what he has
read and heard about it is all quite true.'

'I am sorry to say that I have never yet turned my attention to the
subject, but I make Master Harry a promise that I will do so, and that I
will give him all possible information I can gain on the subject; but
just now,' added the gentleman, 'we have a proposal to make, which we
must not defer, as our time is so short. It is this,' continued Mr.
Norton, 'that we all s