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Rh "We've had a stunnin' time, almost as good as the Goondi election," continued Lord Horace. "The Prince's visit has wakened up Leichardt's Town a bit. Now we've all got to go back to the nursery, like the good children that have come in to dessert. I say, you must help me to get up something for Waveryng. They're coming up to the Dell, you know; a kangaroo battue, or a bushranging lark, something typical and Australian, not that Waveryng has much notion of the value of local colour." Trant gave an odd sort of laugh. "I daresay Moonlight would oblige you if he knew what you wanted."

"Moonlight has laid low this full moon," said Lord Horace. "Well, think it out, Trant, and in the meantime you go and wish Miss Valliant joy, and if you see my wife there, tell her, will you, that I want her."

Trant went off. It was a little before the hour of Elsie's verandah reception, but he thought he should have more chance of finding her alone. Lady Horace was there, and the two sisters were sitting in the verandah in earnest conclave when he arrived. It struck him that Lady Horace looked very pale and ill, and that she had been crying. Elsie was flushed and excited. She laughed gaily when she saw Trant, and came forward with outstretched hand. Perhaps she was pleased to be relieved from the tête-à-tête with Ina.

"Why didn't you come down for the ball?" she asked.

"I was kept on business," said Trant. "You don't suppose I didn't want to be at the ball, did you, Miss Valliant?"

"I don't know," said Elsie. "It was a very good ball—at least so they said."

"Why do you say 'they said'?" asked Trant. "Weren't you there?"

"Oh, yes ; I was there, and I fulfilled my mission of making the Leichardt's Town ladies jealous. The Prince danced with me, and he did not dance with any other of the girls. Ina was honoured; but then she is not a Leichardt's Town girl now. He didn't dance with any of the others, did he, Ina?"