Page:Coo-ee - tales of Australian life by Australian ladies.djvu/37

 MRS. DRUMMOND OF QUONDONG.

IT is a year to-day since I first saw this place,—since I first saw her, I may as well say, for she is pretty well the centre about which all my thoughts have turned during this time; and yet I was not prepared to like her—rather the reverse, for the Creeks did not, and communicated their unfavourable view to me. Certainly I was agreeably disappointed when we met, but I don't think, when I try really to look back, that I was much struck by her in any way. I know I did not think her pretty, only graceful and refined, and far more pleasant in manner than I had anticipated. I could not help noticing that she was a different stamp of woman to Mrs. Creek; and I know the Grettan people were surprised, and I think a trifle displeased, that I said so little of my visit to Quondong. The fact is, I felt rather puzzled what to say. Knowing that the Drummonds were not liked, I could hardly praise them; and after the kind reception given me, I would C