Rough and smooth; or Ho! for an Australian gold field
Mrs. A. Campbell
Paperback
(RareBooksClub.com, May 10, 2012)
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1865 Excerpt: ... and hang them up before the fire, and they will be dry soon enough for you." It was my turn now to look amazed--the undressing in a hut, between each slab, which formed the sides, you could put your clenched hand, was arriving at colonial experience with rather too sudden a jump for me, and almost took away my breath at the bare thought. I could not thank her, and the good lady walked off, shutting the door behind her, leaving us to moralize, if we felt inclined, upon the vanity of all earthly hopes. We looked at each other in silence; and I staggered to an old broken box to sit upon, there not being a seat in the hut.. McKay, however, broke forth into a "Well, if ever I saw such a wretch; she deserves a choking," and he looked as if he would have gladly given it to her had he dared. The servant coming in, papa questioned him as to who the fair dame was who had so effectually given us the cold shoulder, and was told, "She was the mistress of the house, Mrs. Webster; that her husband was not at home, and that we need not expect any extraordinary hospitality from her, as it was not in her." He then said, "She has no children, I perceive." "No," said the man, "never had any; but how did you know that, sir?" "Oh!" was the reply, "the little child has been trying to make friends with that cat, and has been cruelly repulsed and scratched, which shows she has no more love for them than her mistress has." Miss G., glad of sympathy, held up the bare arm with a pitiful face, saying, "Naughty pussy," and did not attempt to renew the acquaintance. After waiting half an hour without any return of good Mrs. Webster, my shivering became so great from the effect of the outward warmth, whi...