Australian Tales - Setis

“Next day I went to London, with my mind fully resolved to work my
way up in the world, and to provide a comfortable home for my heart's
idol. I had plenty of uphill work, sir, but I will not trouble you with the
details of that. An honest, determined spirit can overcome a host of
difficulties. I not only acquired a more thorough knowledge of
mercantile usages, but I found time to cultivate my mind, and improve
the limited education I had received at school. Eighteen months
afterwards I returned to Beechwood, to spend Christmas. I was then a
man; and Nanny would now tell you, if I only paused a minute to allow
her to speak, that I was rather a smart-looking young man too. I no
longer feared Boxer, or the horsewhip (in fact, sir, I feared nothing in
those days but dishonour), so I called on Mr. Roseley, and after much
explanation and negotiation, I was acknowledged as Nanny's betrothed. I
spent a merry Christmas at Mr. Roseley's house; and as I sat by the
blazing ingle side, with my mother on one side of me and Nanny on the
other, I would not have exchanged lots with the Duke of York. What fun
we had that night to be sure! Old Mr. Roseley sat in his easy chair
puffing his pipe and looking as benevolent as Father Christmas himself;
the company roared with merriment when the old man told the story of
my abrupt application for Nanny; of his wrathful rejection of my suit,
and my flight over the garden gate just as Boxer was about to take a large
bite from my maximus muscle.”
The recollection of that comical incident was so vividly presented to
the minds of Mr. and Mrs. Dovecott, that they laughed till the tears rolled
down their faces. Of course I laughed to see them so merry, and you
would have laughed too, dear reader, had you been with us.
“But soon after that an important change took place in my prospects,”
continued Mr. Dovecott. “A trustworthy young man was required to fill a
responsible post in this colony, and I was strongly recommended for the
office by my employers, who, though loth to part with me, felt a true
interest in my welfare. An offer was made to me, which I had three days
to consider, and then, if I accepted it, a week to prepare for my voyage. It
would be hard to convey to you an idea of my conflicting feelings at this
critical juncture in my affairs. On the one hand there was a brilliant offer
of an honourable and lucrative post, with almost certain advancement to
fortune; and on the other hand, there were ties of the most tender and
sacred nature binding me to England. I was fairly perplexed, and the
more I pondered the matter, the more complicated it seemed. So I
earnestly sought guidance and direction from that unfailing source where
I have all through my life found help in time of need; — and after a time
I felt my mind perfectly free from doubt on the subject, and I was
thoroughly convinced that it was my duty to go to Australia. It has ever
been my rule, Mr. Boomerang, when I have clearly ascertained the path
of duty, to pursue it, without reference to opposing feelings or interests;