Behind, the land began to rise, at first, in park-like timbered forest glades, and further back, closing into dense deep woodlands.
"What a lovely place they will make of this in time!" I said to myself; but I had not much time for cogitation.

A loud, cheerful voice shouted: "Hamlyn, you are welcome to Baroona!" and close to me I saw the Major, carrying his son and heir in his arms, advancing to meet me from the house-door.
"You are welcome to Baroona!" echoed the boy; "and a merry Christmas and a happy New-year to you!" I went into the house and was delighted to find what a change a few weeks of busy, quiet, and HOME had made in the somewhat draggle-tailed and disconsolate troop that I had parted with on their road.

Miss Thornton, with her black mittens, white apron, and spectacles, had found herself a cool corner by the empty fire-place, and was stitching away happily at baby linen.

Mrs.Buckley, in the character of a duchess, was picking raisins, and Mary was helping her; and, as I entered, laughing loudly, they greeted me kindly with all the old sacred good wishes of the season.
"I very much pity you, Mr.Hamlyn," said Mrs.Buckley, "at having outlived the novelty of being scorched to death on Christmas-day.

My dear husband, please refresh me with reading the thermometer!" "One hundred and nine in the shade," replied the Major, with a chuckle.
"Ah, dear!" said Mrs.Buckley, "If the dear old rheumatic creatures from the alms-house at Clere could only spend to-morrow with us, how it would warm their old bones! Fancy how they are crouching before their little pinched grates just now!" "Hardly that, Mrs.Buckley," I said laughing; "they are all snug in bed now.