CHAPTER XXIX.
SAM MEETS WITH A RIVAL, AND HOW HE TREATED HIM.
That week one of those runs upon the Captain's hospitality took place which are common enough in the bush, and, although causing a temporary inconvenience, are generally as much enjoyed by the entertainer as entertained.

Everybody during this next week came to see them, and nobody went back again.

So by the end of the week there were a dozen or fourteen guests assembled, all uninvited, and apparently bent on making a good long stay of it.
Alice, who had expected to be rather put out, conducted everything with such tact and dignity that Mrs.Buckley remarked to Mrs.Mayford, when they were alone together, "that she had never seen such beauty and such charming domestic grace combined, and that he would be a lucky young fellow who got her for a wife." "Well, yes, I should be inclined to say so too," answered Mrs.Mayford.
"Rather much of the boarding-school as yet, but that will wear off, I dare say.

I don't think the young lady will go very long without an offer.

Pray, have you remarked anything, my dear madam ?" Yes, Mrs.Buckley had remarked something on her arrival the day before yesterday.