"That is Toonarbin," said the Major; "and there's Mary Hawker in the verandah."
"Let us see," said Mrs. Buckley, "if she will know him. If she does not recognise him, let no one speak before me."
When they had ridden up and dismounted, Mrs. Buckley presented Frank. "My dear," said she, "the Dean is honouring us by staying at Baroona for a week, and proposes to visit round at the various stations. To-morrow we go to the Mayfords, and next day to Garoopna."
Mary bowed respectfully to Frank, and said, "that she felt highly honoured," and so forth. "My partner is gone on a journey, and my son is away on the run, or they would have joined with me in bidding you welcome, sir."
Frank would have been highly honoured at making their acquaintance.
Mary started, and looked at him again. "Mr. Maberly! Mr. Maberly!" she said, "your face is changed, but your voice is unchangeable. You are discovered, sir!"
"And are you glad to see me?"
"No!" said Mary, plainly.
"Now," said Mrs. Buckley to herself, "she is going to give us one of her tantrums. I wish she would behave like a reasonable being. She is always bent on making a scene;" but she kept this to herself, and only said aloud: "Mary, my dear! Mary!"
"I am sorry to hear you say so, Mrs. Hawker," said Frank; "but it is just and natural."