"Indeed do I," said Peggy; "the diggings are going on as brisk as ever, I suppose?"
"Just as brisk, and sheep as dear, and wool steady; so, you see, I've taken a holiday."
"But you're going back again?"
"I must go back, for I have not made my fortune yet. But, by-the-by, it is a great pity that you left Melbourne when you did. You would have been a wealthy woman if you had stayed. There's Powell—was he married before you went?"
"Ay, he was. I heard word of it in Melbourne."
"Well, he's as flourishing as possible; he will soon be richer than me. On his own account now. Bought a flock and run, for an old song; cured the sheep; and is now on the highway to wealth. Ah! Peggy, why were you not Mrs Powell?"
"It was not to be," said Peggy, calmly; "but has he any bairns?"
"Two, Peggy; and he is very proud of them."
"Ay, ay; a man has need to be proud and pleased with his own. And the wife?"
"Oh, she's a nice enough person. Getting a little uppish now; but not the manager you are," said Mr. Brandon. "More given to dress and show, and that sort of thing. But I have a message for you from Mr. Talbot, the lawyer, you know, though I dare say he has written to you on the same subject."