ous, the door of the Premier, squatter
and merchant is open to him."

"Look here, old chap, you can't chuck convention overboard entirely;
it's impossible."

"Rot! You speak as if Australia was a primitive land, without schools
and culture. You're entirely mistaken. We can educate and create a
most charming and distinctive type. I grant you that some of our
people may be narrow-visioned and have one-eyed views. I admit you
will find a few folks who think Britain is a land of peers, publicans
and paupers. But haven't you got in Britain the same narrow folks, the
same crude, ill-informed men and women who ignorantly air their views
to the disgust of every Colonial?"

"Yes, there's something in that, I agree. We have got them, but I've
heard Australian officers talk as if Australia was the only place on
God's earth," the subaltern ejaculated a little warmly.

"You condemn a nation for a few. Young man, you haven't travelled far
enough. And you make me tired to hear you talk in that way. You're a
nice fellow spoiled, I reckon. Why, where I live there's dozens of
English public school men working as cockies and jackaroos. They
wouldn't go back home if you paid them. They like the life. Everybody
makes them at home, and many of them have married our Australian girls.
These women can milk, bake, ride, drive, sew and rear the most charming
children. And they can meet you in a drawing-room with a natural grace
that is their own. Intellectually, too, they are pleasant to meet, for
the loneliness has given them time to think and read. Look at that
girl there, doesn't she look a lady?"

"Yes."

"Isn't she absolutely perfect?"

"Well, yes."

"Does her dress fit?"

"Decidedly."

"Do you think her table manners are awkward?"

"No."

"Isn't there something easy and natural, no false pose, a sort of
innate grace of mind and body?"

"Certainly, but is this not some strange exception, just as you find in
many parts?"

"No, my boy. You still seem to be unconvinced. Hang it all, there's
only one way to convince you. As they are rising from the table now,
get up and I'll introduce you."

"Hallo, Sybil, how are you?" said the Australian officer going forward.

"What--Jack Gordon!" she said, shaking hands. "I haven't seen you
since I was at school."

"How do, Jack?" said old Graham, in his blunt way. Then Mrs. Graham
accorded him the same warm welcome.

"Let me introduce Lieutenant Gore-Jones of