AustLit

In her preface, the author states: 'The scene of my story is laid in most prosaic regions. Viewed from afar, Australia is conspicuous chiefly for the speed with which fortunes have there been amassed. Even the wild adventures which once gave a dash of romance to colonial history, are falling out of date, in the settled districts. Of these districts I have written, trying to sketch the peculiarities of their social life, and of the varied types of character it produces; describing such circumstances as would probably surround any youth or girl who should emigrate to-morrow. Not an heroic state. Yet noiseless heroism may be found in it; and there, as everywhere, human life and love are rich in pathos, and have a comical side to boot; helping hands can find a ministry, and the poetry of truth and hope is seen in working dress.'