AustLit

Against her better judgement, Mrs. Phiggs concedes to her husband's request to be allowed to cook Indian cuisine for their guests' Christmas breakfast.

The narrator recalls a story that was told to him of a misunderstanding between an evangelistic barber and a patron on the subject of being ready to 'meet the maker'.

Living in an idyllic rural area, the narrator recalls how he often had visitors who would enjoy going for long horse-rides. One visitor, however, proved unpopular due to his disregard for the well-being of his host's favoured horse.

Miss Charity answers an advertisement in which a gentleman is seeking matrimony. Travelling to Newcastle to marry, a rough and windy sea voyage reveals the real character of Mr. Teddington Trout, and confusion ensues.

The narrator tells of a company of men travelling from N. S. W. to Victoria on Christmas Eve who entertain each other with stories. Dr. McMerry tells of his encounter on board ship thirteen years earlier with Bryan Grady, Mrs. Grady, their two daughters and five sons who had left Ireland destined for Australia to make a new life, and to search for Mr. Grady's long lost twin brother.

Two friends, inexperienced in driving horse-drawn carriages, attempt to drive from Richmond to Bondi for a birthday picnic, with calamitous results. They learn that bravado does not defeat ignorance and inexperience, and years later the lesson is brought to mind when one of them is invited to become a political representative.

The story relates the misfortunes of Mary May, seduced, promised marriage, jilted and left with an illegitimate child. Mary's mother dies of 'a broken heart' and her child also dies. A moral tale which warns of wealthy, unprincipled 'fast men', the story concludes with a promotional spiel, inviting charitable donations for the [Sydney] 'Female Refuge', where woman such as Mary May, 'polluted as she is... may find a refuge from the cold winds and still colder blasts of the world's scorn.'

Jabez Gummy, aged 65, intends to marry Kitty Mayberry, aged 17. His friends thwart his plans, for the good of all concerned, and a happy ending results.

The narrator discusses the inadvisability of frightening children with threats in order to have them comply with parental directives. Several anecdotes are related which illustrate the undesirable outcomes of such techniques.

The narrator muses on misfortunes that befall people and the causes of such, and advocates a compassionate response from others, as well as offering comforting words to those afflicted.

The story introduces the widow Giles as a model grocer of the 1860s. Her shop, and her ability to provide for her five children, was made possible by her late husband's fortunate decision to give up drinking and take out a life insurance policy.

The narrator postulates that laughter could be a solution to pessimism within the financial and commercial sectors.

Recounts the story of a sailor whom 'Old Boomerang' claims to have rescued from alcoholism and sin by speaking to him, and getting him to sign the Temperance pledge, successfully turning him into a gentleman.

The Knipps family have a disastrous Christmas picnic in the bush.

Relates an anecdote of two boys who make a lot of noise in a belfry during a church service, and receive a sound beating from the beadle in consequence. The author connects this to some in Sydney who are 'wasting their substance in riotous living' and 'disturbing their peaceable neighbours'.

The narrator observes the arrival of winter, and of influenza, and how the effects of the illness upon ordinary people can be compounded by various adverse circumstances.

Presents a portrait of two contrasting sons - one remembers his old mother and looks after her in her old age - the other neglects his mother, who is destitute.

Jonathan is in love with Phoebe but at a loss as to how to go about wooing her, so months pass without any progress. When he finally does approach her and proposes a trip to Kissing Point, their outing does not go quite as he planned. Despite this, the desired outcome is achieved and they marry, raise a family and prosper.

The narrator looks at instances when rumour and envy have been the ruination of innocent people. He exhorts readers to remain silent when their tongues would rather wag.