Where the tall palm tree stands on the banks of the Torrens was the vegetable garden for Government House. It was fenced all round with hedge and wire, with a door in the wall, by which we got to and fro if the gardener forgot to bring what was wanted. The door is still in the wall, but the garden has gone. I have good reason to remember one time, at least, when I was sent for something. It was dark, but I had a key and a lantern, and was told to lock the door and take the key with me to let myself in. I put the lantern down, as I did not require a light in the garden. A key was available to others, as there were more keys than one. While I was trying to open the door the Duke of Edinburgh came out. He smiled at me, and I let the things fall and stared at him. He had no attendant, but wore a soft felt hat. I stood and saw him pass out amongst the populace just like one of themselves. He locked the door and I unlocked it. I remember that as if it were only yesterday.
At the time there was a war in Paris, and monsieur used to get letters that upset him fearfully. Some that were sent from his ruined home came out of Paris in a balloon. I may add that the French chef was designated as monsieur all through the house. He was a very young man to have such a position, and he could not speak English at all well. I taught him some Scotch words. He was lively, and would go on working sometimes till midnight, but would not let me stay if he could help it.
The Prince and party went away inland somewhere for an outing. We had a period of quiet, and I got a day off to go and see the Galatea. All the kilted volunteers were going by special invitation, and in a kind way I was not forgotten. They had Mr. Archie Dixon, with his bagpipes. It was a nice day for an outing, and the whole ship was thrown open to us, and a happy time was spent there. All was wonderfully clean and orderly. All was explained to us, and we were told how the cannon and other instruments of destruction were fired, with the force of the ball, and the gunpowder, as well as what the sailors could do if they were attacked. We saw the Prince's room, which was being done up ready for the voyage home. One thing I noticed hanging up was a large portrait of Prince Albert and the Queen. The only thing I saw to make me sad was some men in chains made fast to the deck. They were white men. I can see the look on their faces yet. They were there for some misdeed, but I did hope that they would be released when they got out to sea. We went right down to where the stokers worked to keep the engines in action. We passed, I think, five decks to get there; I was glad to reach the top again. Human hearts must be made of strong material, or else how could those men live in chains, even for a day?
The time came when I felt sadness. After the Prince went away what a change there was. Where life and merriment had reigned, amid the scene of all the late festivities, there was now only silence. For in that stately home Lady Ferguson was ill—seriously ill. She had not been feeling well for some time, and it was rumored that Sir James would take her back again to Scotland if she was strong enough to travel. She died at Government House. I had left a week or so before.
I LEAVE GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
I was only an extra one for the busy time, but I was told that if a vacancy should occur I would be sent for. Use, we are told, is second nature. I grew quite used to looking down the advertising columns of the newspaper, where I read, "Wanted, wanted, wanted." I saw one day a notice that there was wanted by a lady at Glenelg a young woman, who must have some knowledge of cooking and good references. The direction was to apply to Mrs. Wright, at "The Olives," Glenelg. Years afterwards I went back to Government House as housekeeper.
I received a reply to my application to Mrs. Wright, stating that my reference proved satisfactory, and that she would be glad if I would come as soon as I could. As far as I can remember I was glad again to be near the sea. It was not exactly what I wanted; I was restless and dissatisfied. I had decided to seek a situation with some lady who travelled, as I would have liked to go back to Scotland again. But, still this would be something to do. On arriving at Mrs. Wright's I found one of my shipmates as housemaid. It was a large house, in pleasant, well-kept grounds. I was taken to my room, on the second floor. It was large and comfortable, with such a nice view from the window. I was, at any rate, pleasantly housed.
Could I but live that time over again! Could I but close my mind to all, all that has happened since! Did I say happened? All that has taken place has been of my own doing. I felt very happy, for, as I now review my past, I know that I took the first step in the narrow path when I left the Olives! Delusion really came into my life, and I was wise only after the event. I am alone now with my ruined life and my lost happiness. The wearisome years creep by so slowly.
I used to travel to Adelaide to attend Mr. Lyall's church every second Sunday. I do not know why I did not give the name of my first employer, of No. 10, Rundle-street. I think it was in my mind then not to mention any names in such reminiscences as that I wrote of mine. However, my first employer's name was Mr. T. Ballantyne. He died long ago, but his brothers are still in the land of the living I am happy to say. One of the Mr. Ballantyne's used to come to the same church in Flinders-street, with his wife and family. They were always friendly to me, and show friendship even now, after all these years. When I first made acquaintance with Mr. W. Ballantyne he was in his brother's shop at 38, Rundle-street, where Mr. Birks is now. He used to come to No. 10 sometimes. His was a merry face, with an almost perpetual smile. I used to like to see him come in. So when I met him at the church he always wished to know how I was, and whether I was comfortable. So one Sunday, when I came from the Bay, he asked me if I would not like to come and live in Adelaide again. He said that where he lived they wanted some one at the shop to get meals for the young people who worked there. I told him that when I left Mrs. Wright's I would see him, but I had no thoughts of leaving them. He must have made a mistake, for I received a letter from Messrs. Robin & Birks, asking me to come to them, as they understood that I was leaving Mrs. Wright's. I could not understand, so I called and saw Mr. Robin.