"I am not certain—it is made, or can be made, in four or five months; but then we may have to stop awhile at Sydney."
"Sydney? what Sydney? Where is that?"
"Australia, mamma," said Eleanor smiling. "New South Wales. Don't you know?"
"Australia! Are you going there? To Botany Bay?"
"No, mamma; not to Botany Bay. And I only take Australia by the way. I go further."
"Further than Botany Bay?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well certainly," said Mrs. Powle with an accent of restrained despair, "the present age is enterprising beyond what was ever known in my young days. What do you think, sister Caxton, of a young lady taking voyage five months long after her husband, instead of her husband taking it for her? He ought to be a grateful man, I think!"
"Certainly; but not too grateful," Mrs. Caxton answered composedly; "for in this case necessity alters the rule."
"I do not understand such necessities," said Mrs. Powle; "at least if a thing cannot be done properly, I should say it was better not to do it at all. However, I suppose it is too late to speak now. I would not have my daughter hold herself so lightly as to confer such an honour on any man; but I gave her to you to dispose of, so no doubt it is all right. I hope Mr. What's-his-name is worthy of it."