Page:Coo-ee - tales of Australian life by Australian ladies.djvu/52

48 the verandah afterwards, the black boy came round and gave Mrs. Creek a note. 'That's all right,' she said as she read it; 'the Grimes are coming, and will bring a Mr. Hall, as well as Scott and Hamley.'

'Have you any answer from the Drummonds?' asked Mr. Creek.

'By the bye, no. You got him paper along Quondong?' she said, turning to the boy.

'By Gar, I believe I forgot him altogether;' and Master Jacky, with a grin that showed his white teeth from ear to ear, produced the note of invitation—well wrapped up, I ought to say—from the bosom of his shirt, which served as pocket, and handed it over.

'Well, that is provoking,' remarked Mrs. Creek; 'but it is no use lamenting, we could not let them know now in time, could we?' turning to her husband.

'No,' he replied, 'it's out of the question; they must take the will for the deed.'

'I think I could let them know, if you care about it, Mrs. Creek,' I said.

'Thank you! Of course I should like them to come, but it's not worth the trouble.'

'It's not the least trouble; I could easily ride over on a bright night like this.'

'I don't see any necessity,' broke in Creek; 'I'm sure Drummond wouldn't thank you, and it's ten to one if Mrs. Drummond would care to come.'

'I'll chance that,' I said, and got up to go. Fortunately the horses were in a small paddock, to be at hand for the next day; so, taking a halter and a tin