Miss Dulcie P. (confused). I don't know—I can't say—just at present, but (Aside—How distinguished-looking he is, but what queer clothes!)
Egremont. Does your father, Mr. Polyblock (aside—Droll name, but that doesn't matter), live in this neighbourhood?
Miss Dulcie P. Live here! Why, he owns the Run you're on. Our home-station, Bundabah, is about five miles off.
Egremont. Oh, indeed, what a long way! I had thought we might be near neighbours. I had intended to call and inquire if you had quite recovered from your fright.
Miss Dulcie P. I wasn't frightened, pray don't suppose that, but I might have been hurt if you had not come up. Are you going to stay here long?
Egremont (proudly). Till I make a fortune. [Dulcie (aside)—Oh!] I have resolved to turn this waste into a productive farm—a—it will be the work of years.
Miss Dulcie. I should think it would. (Aside—Waste, indeed!) It's the best part of Bundabah Run.
Egremont. So I was quite right to purchase it from the Crown.
Miss Dulcie. Oh no. Quite wrong. It's never done, except by—by low sort of people.
Egremont. Indeed! Then perhaps I'm mistaken about the law. Just oblige me by looking at this section of the Land Act. (Hands book to her—she stoops from her horse—their heads come close together—she reads—'Section 13, Crown lands other than town lands,' etc.) Well, it really seems as if you had the right to do it, or anybody else, but father's in the Upper House, and all that. He says it's a perfect robbery to free-select on his Run. It's very confusing, don't you think? But I must say good-bye.
Egremont. Good-bye, Miss Polyblock. (Shakes hands warmly.) You have really comforted me very much. If you had time to explain this Act to me I really think I should get over all my difficulties; as it is, I despair.
Miss Dulcie P. (Aside—Poor fellow! It's very hard for him; and how white his hands are—such expressive eyes too. I oughtn't have come, I know, but still—I might bring about an understanding between him and father.) Well, perhaps I might be riding this way on Saturday, near that
