only when they are sent to the training
stables in Melbourne and Sydney to be properly brought up that they turn
out well. So it is with the girls; they have to be finished off in
Melbourne and Sydney. Their rosy cheeks and fresh complexion are
retained, but their _gaucheries_ of manner and clumsiness of figure are
pruned away."

"There's a deal in what you say, Hal, but I have a liking for this
little spot. Everything surrounding you is so peaceful; the scenery is
so beautiful that it is an island paradise."

"Yes, it's a nice place to live in, if you have money to spend;
otherwise it is dull."

"Like all pleasure resorts. But there is a delightful air of laziness
about it. Nobody seems in a hurry. It is such a contrast to the bustle
of Melbourne."

"And such a harbour, eh?"

"Yes, it's the finest I've ever seen."

"If you ever get to Sydney you will see one better."

"Here's a note from the telegraph office for you," said Mrs. Eastwood,
hurrying in.

Hal opened it and read:

"Sydney.

"S.S. _Flora_, from Hobart, arrived to-day with Villiers Wyckliffe
and crew rescued from yacht totally wrecked.

"Agents--T. S. W. Coy."

"That's awkward. Sydney is a long way off and it gives him a good start.
What's the paper say, Reg?"

"_Corrinna_ leaves Launceston for Sydney to-morrow at noon. Train
leaving here at 7 a.m., arrives there 11.30."

"I'll wire Goody another copy of this telegram."

"No bad news, I hope, gentlemen," asked Mrs. Eastwood, entering.

"In one sense it is good, in another, unfortunate," said Hal, handing
her the telegram to read.

"It's a pity he was not drowned," she answered, mercilessly, handing the
telegram back. "However, it will cost him a pretty penny, as Macpherson
valued his yacht very highly."

"We shall leave by the first train to-morrow. I am now going to wire to
Mr. Goodchild."

The next morning they were up betimes, and had considerable difficulty
in settling their account with Mrs. Eastwood.

"I am sorry you treat your stay beneath my roof as a matter of
business," she complained, "You have repaid me twenty times over by what
you have done for the Goodchilds. They are my oldest friends, and I look
upon May as a daughter. You have made some good and true friends, who
will be heavily indebted to you until you give them one day an
opportunity of shewing some acknowledgment."

"You are making too much, Mrs. Eastwood, of the service we have been
ab