Some expressions of condolence from the seats in front threw the young girl's words into advantageous relief.
The countess said presently to Christina, "I am sorry it has turned out so dull a day; the ground looks really nice when it is fine and sunny."
"It is a beautiful ground," answered Tiny simply; "the trees are so splendid."
"Ah, but you're used to splendid trees."
"In Australia? Well, we are and we are not, Lady Dromard. I mean to say, there are tremendous trees in some parts; in others there are none at all, you know. Up the bush, where we used to live, the trees were of very little account."
"I thought the bush was nothing but trees," remarked Lady Dromard; and Christina could not help smiling as she explained the comprehensive character of "the bush."
"So you were actually brought up on a sheep farm!" said Lady Dromard, looking flatteringly at the graceful young girl.
"Yes—on a station. It was in the bush, and very much the bush," laughed Tiny, "for we were hundreds of miles up country. But most of the trees were no higher than this tent, Lady Dromard. The homestead was in a clump of pines, and they were pretty tall, but the rest were mere scrub."
"Then how in the world," cried her ladyship, "did you manage to become educated? What school could you go to in a place like that?"
"We never went to school at all," Tiny informed her confidentially. "We had a governess."