I don't like being so long away from home; but it pays first-rate, and I think I see a way to its paying better still.' 'So you've ridden over to show them the way, Aileen,' he said, as the girls came in; 'very good of you it was.

I was afraid you'd forgotten the way.' 'I never forget the way to a friend's place, George,' she said, 'and you've been our best friend while these naughty boys have left mother and me so long by ourselves.

But you've been away yourself.' 'Only four months,' he said; 'and after a few more trips I shan't want to go away any more.' 'That will be a good day for all of us,' she said.

'You know, Gracey, we can't do without George, can we?
I felt quite deserted, I can tell you.' 'He wouldn't have gone away at all if you'd held up your little finger, you know that, you hard-hearted girl,' said Grace, trying to frown.
'It's all your fault.' 'Oh! I couldn't interfere with Mr.Storefield's business,' said Aileen, looking very grave.

'What kind of a country was it you were out in ?' 'Not a bad place for sheep and cattle and blacks,' said poor George, looking rather glum; 'and not a bad country to make money or do anything but live in, but that hot and dry and full of flies and mosquitoes that I'd sooner live on a pound a week down here than take a good station as a present there.