第8章

"I’msorry，Luke。"

"I’msorry，too。Ididn’tmeantooffendyou。"

"Oh，no，youdidn’toffendme，truly！IsupposeI’mnotveryusedtoit……Iwasfrightened，notoffended。"

"Oh，Meghann！"Hetookonehandoffthewheelandputitoverherclaspedones。"Look，don’tworryaboutit。You’reabitofagirlandIwenttoofast。Let’sforgetit。

"Yes，let’s，"shesaid。

"Didn’thekissyou？"Lukeaskedcuriously。

"Who？"’

Wastherefearinhervoice？Butwhyshouldtherebefearinhervoice？"Yousaidyou’dbeeninloveonce，soIthoughtyouknewtheropes。I’msorry，Meghann。Ishouldhaverealizedthatstuckallthewayouthereinafamilylikeyours，whatyoumeantwasyouhadaschoolgirlcrushonsomeblokewhonevernoticedyou。"

Yes，yes，yes！Lethimthinkthat！"You’requiteright，Luke；itwasjustaschoolgirlcrush。"

Outsidethehousehedrewhertohimagainandgaveheragentle，lingeringkisswithoutanyopen-mouth，tonguebusiness。Shedidn’trespondexactly，butclearlyshelikedit；hewentofftohisguesthousemoresatisfiedthathehadn’truinedhischances。

Meggiedraggedherselftobedandlaylookingupatthesoftroundhalothelampcastontheceiling。Well，onethinghadbeenestablished:therewasnothinginLuke’skissestoremindherofRalph’s。Andonceortwicetowardtheendshehadfeltaflickerofdismayedexcitement，whenhehaddughisfingersintohersideand，whenhehadkissedherneck。NouseequatingLukewithRalph，andshewasn’tsureanymorethatshewantedtotry。BetterforgetRalph；hecouldn’tbeherhusband。Lukecould。

ThesecondtimeLukekissedherMeggiebehavedquitedifferently。TheyhadbeentoawonderfulpartyonRudnaHunish，thelimitoftheterritorialboundaryBobhaddrawnaroundtheirjaunts，andtheeveninghadgonewellfromitsbeginning。Lukewasinhisbestform，jokingsomuchonthewayouthekeptherhelplesswithlaughter，thenwarmlylovingandattentivetowardherallthroughtheparty。AndMissCarmichaelhadbeensodeterminedtotakehimawayfromher！SteppinginwhereAlastairMacQueenandEnochDaviesfearedtogo，sheattachedherselftothemandflirtedwithLukeblatantly，forcedhimforthesakeofgoodmannerstoaskhertodance。Itwasaformalaffair，thedancingballroomstyle，andthedanceLukegaveMissCarmichaelwasaslowwaltz。ButhehadcomebacktoMeggieimmediatelyitwasoverandsaidnothing，onlycasthiseyestowardtheceilinginawaywhichleftherinnodoubtthattohimMissCarmichaelwasabore。Andshelovedhimforit；eversincethedaytheladyhadinterferedwithherpleasureattheGillyShow，Meggiehaddislikedher。ShehadneverforgottenthewayFatherRalphhadignoredtheladytoliftasmallgirloverapuddle；nowtonightLukeshowedhimselfinthosesamecolors。Oh，bravo！Luke，you’resplendid！

Itwasaverylongwayhome，andverycold。LukehadcajoledapacketofsandwichesandabottleofchampagneoutofoldAngusMacQueen，andwhentheywerenearlytwo-thirdsofthewayhomehestoppedthecar。HeatersincarswereextremelyrareinAustraliathenasnow，buttheRollswasequippedwithaheater；thatnightitwasverywelcome，forthefrostlaytwoinchesthickontheground。

"Oh，isn’titnicetositwithoutacoatonanightlikethis？"Meggiesmiled，takingthelittlesilvercollapsiblecupofchampagneLukegaveher，andbitingintoahamsandwich。

"Yes，itis。Youlooksoprettytonight，Meghann。"

Whatwasitaboutthecolorofhereyes？Greywasn’tnormallyacolorhecaredfor，tooanemic，butlookingathergreyeyeshecouldhavesworntheyheldeverycolorintheblueendofthespectrum，violetandindigoandtheskyonarichclearday，deepmossygreen，ahintoftawnyyellow。Andtheyglowedlikesoft，half-opaquejewels，framedbythoselongcurlinglasheswhichglitteredasiftheyhadbeendippedingold。Hereachedoutanddelicatelybrushedhisfingeralongthelashesofoneeye，thensolemnlylookeddownatitstip。

"Why，Luke！What’sthematter？"

"Icouldn’tresistseeingformyselfthatyoudon’thaveapotofgoldpowderonyourdressingtable。Doyouknowyou’retheonlygirlI’veevermetwithrealgoldonhereyelashes？"

"Oh！"Shetouchedthemherself，lookedatherfinger，laughed。"SoIhave！Itdoesn’tcomeoffatall。"Thechampagnewasticklinghernoseandfizzinginherstomach；shefeltwonderful。

"Andrealgoldeyebrowsthathavethesameshapeasachurchroof，andthemostbeautifulrealgoldhair……Ialwaysexpectittobehardlikemetal，yetit’ssoftandfinelikeababy’s……Andskinyoumustusegoldpowderon，itshinesso……Andthemostbeautifulmouth，justmadeforkissing……"

Shesatstaringathimwiththattenderpinkmouthslightlyopen，thewayithadbeenontheirfirstmeeting；hereachedoutandtooktheemptycupfromher。

"Ithinkyouneedalittlemore。champagne，"hesaid，fillingit。"Imustadmitthisisnice，tostopandgiveourselvesalittlebreakfromthetrack。AndthankyouforthinkingofaskingMr。MacQueenforthesandwichesandwine。"

Thebig。Rollsenginetickedgentlyinthesilence，warmairpouringalmostsoundlesslythroughthevents；twoseparatekindsoflullingnoise。Lukeunknottedhistieandpulleditoff，openedhisshirtcollar。Theirjacketswereonthebackseat，toowarmforthecar。

"Oh，thatfeelsgood！Idon’tknowwhoinventedtiesandtheninsistedamanwasonlyproperlydressedwhenheworeone，butifeverImeethim，I’llstranglehimwithhisowninvention。"

Heturnedabruptly，loweredhisfacetohers，andseemedtocatchtheroundedcurveofherlipsexactlyintohis，liketwopiecesofajigsawpuzzle；thoughhedidn’tholdherortouchherelsewhereshefeltlockedtohimandletherheadfollowasheleanedback，drawingherforwardontohis。chest。Hishandscameuptoclaspherhead，thebettertoworkatthatdizzying，amazinglyresponsivemouth，drainit。Sighing，heabandonedhimselftofeelingnothingelse，athomeatlastwiththosesilkybaby’slipsfinallyfittinghisown。Herarmslidaroundhisneck，quiveringfingerssankintohishair，thepalmofherotherhandcomingtorestonthesmoothbrownskinatthebaseofhisthroat。Thistimehedidn’thurry，thoughhehadrisenandhardenedbeforegivingherthesecondcupofchampagne，justfromlookingather。Notreleasingherhead，hekissedhercheeks，herclosedeyes，thecurvingbonesoftheorbitsbeneathherbrows，camebacktohercheeksbecausetheyweresosatiny，camebacktohermouthbecauseitsinfantileshapedrovehimmad，haddrivenhimmadsincethedayhefirstsawher。

Andtherewasherthroat，thelittlehollowatitsbase，theskinofhershouldersodelicateandcoolanddry……Powerlesstocallahalt，almostbesidehimselfwithfearlestsheshouldcallahalt，heremovedonehandfromherheadandpluckedatthelongrowofbuttonsdownthebackofherdress，sliditoffherobedientarms，thenthestrapsofherloosesatinslip。Faceburiedbetweenherneckandshoulder，hepassedthetipsofhisfingersdownherbareback，feelingherstartledlittleshivers，thesuddenhardpointstoherbreasts。Hepushedhisfacelowerinablind，compulsivetouch-searchofonecold，cushionedsurface，lipsparted，pressingdown，untiltheyclosedovertautruchedflesh。Histonguelingeredforadazedminute，thenhishandsclutchedinagonizedpleasureonherbackandhesucked，nipped，kissed，sucked……Theoldeternalimpulse，hisparticularpreference，anditneverfailed。Itwassogood，good，good，goooooood！Hedidnotcryout，onlyshudderedforawrenching，drenchingmoment，andswallowedinthedepthsofhisthroat。

Likeasatiatednursling，heletthenipplepopoutofhismouth，formedakissofboundlessloveandgratitudeagainstthesideofherbreast，andlayutterlystillexceptfortheheavesofhisbreathing。Hecouldfeelhermouthinhishair，herhanddowninsidehisshirt，andsuddenlyheseemedtorecollecthimself，openedhiseyes。Brisklyhesatup，pulledherslipstrapsupherarms，thenherdress，andfastenedallthebuttonsdeftly。"You’dbettermarryme，Meghann，"hesaid，eyessoftandlaughing。"Idon’tthinkyourbrotherswouldapproveonelittlebitofwhatwejustdid。""Yes，IthinkI’dbettertoo，"sheagreed，lidslowered，adelicateflushinhercheeks。

"Let’stellthemtomorrowmorning。"

"Whynot？Thesoonerthebetter。"

"NextSaturdayI’lldriveyouintoGilly。We’llseeFatherThomas-Isupposeyou’dlikeachurchwedding-arrangeforthebanns，andbuyanengagementring。"

"Thankyou，Luke。"

Well，thatwasthat。Shehadcommittedherself，therecouldbenoturningback。Inafewweeksorhoweverlongittooktocallbanns，shewouldmarryLukeO’neill。Shewouldbe……Mrs。LukeO’neill！Howstrange！Whydidshesayyes？BecausehetoldmeImust，hesaidIwastodoit。Butwhy？Toremovehimfromdanger？Toprotecthimself，orme？RalphdeBricassart，sometimesIthinkIhateyou……

Theincidentinthecarhadbeenstartlinganddisturbing。Notabitlikethatfirsttime。Somanybeautiful，terrifyingsensations。Oh，thetouchofhishands！Thatelectrifyingtuggingatherbreastsendingvastwideningringsclearthroughher！Andhediditrightatthemomentherconsciencehadreareditshead，toldthemindlessthingsheseemedtohavebecomethathewastakingoffherclothes，thatshemustscream，slaphim，runaway。Nolongerlulledandhalfsenselessfromchampagne，fromwarmth，fromthediscoverythatitwasdelicioustobekissedwhenitwasdoneright，hisfirstgreatgulpingtaking-inofherbreasthadtransfixedher，stilledcommonsense，conscienceandallthoughtofflight。Hershoulderscameupoffhischest，herhipsseemedtosubsideagainsthim，herthighsandthatun-namedregionattheirtoprammedbyhissqueezinghandsagainstaridgeofhisbodyhardasarock，andshehadjustwantedtostaylikethatfortherestofherdays，shakentohersoulandyawningempty，wanting……Wantingwhat？Shedidn’tknow。Inthemomentatwhichhehadputherawayfromhimshehadn’twantedtogo，couldevenhaveflownathimlikeasavage。ButithadsetthesealonherhardeningresolvetomarryLukeO’neill。Nottomentionthatshewasconvincedhehaddonetoherthethingwhichmadebabiesstart。

Noonewasverysurprisedatthenews，andnoonedreamedofobjecting。TheonlythingwhichdidstartlethemwasMeggie’sadamantrefusaltowriteandtellBishopRalph，heralmosthystericalrejectionofBob’sideathattheyinviteBishopRalphtoDroghedaandhaveabighousewedding。No，no，no！Shehadscreameditatthem；Meggiewhoneverraisedhervoice。Apparentlyshewasmiffedthathehadnevercomebacktoseethem，maintainingthathermarriagewasherownbusiness，thatifhedidn’thavethecommondecencytocometoDroghedafornoreason，shewasnotgoingtofurnishhimwithanobligationhecouldnotrefuse。

SoFeepromisednottosayawordinherletters；sheseemednottocareonewayortheother，nordidsheseeminterestedinMeggie’schoiceofahusband。KeepingthebooksofastationaslargeasDroghedawasafull-timejob。Fee’srecordswouldhaveservedahistorianwithaperfectdescriptionoflifeonasheepstation，fortheydidn’tsimplyconsistoffiguresandledgers。Everymovementofeverymobofsheepwasrigidlydescribed，thechangesoftheseasons，theweathereachday，evenwhatMrs。Smithservedfordinner。TheentryinthelogbookforSunday，July22，1934，said:Skyclear，nocloud，temperatureatdawn34degrees。NoMasstoday。Bobin，JackoutatMurrimbahwith2stockmen，HughieoutatWestDamwith1stockman，Beerbarreldroving3-yearwethersfromBudgintoWinnemurra。Temperaturehighat3o’clock，85degrees。Barometersteady，30。6inches。Windduewest。Dinnermenucornedbeef，boiledpotatoes，carrotsandcabbage，thenplumduff。MeghannClearyistomarryMr。LukeO’neill，stockman，onSaturdayAugust25attheHolyCrossChurch，Gillanbone。Entered9o’clockevening，temperature45degrees，moonlastquarter。

LukeboughtMeggieadiamondengagementring，modestbutquitepretty，itstwinquarter-caratstonessetinapairofplatinumhearts。ThebannswerecalledfornoononSaturday，August25th，intheHolyCrossChurch。ThiswouldbefollowedbyafamilydinnerattheHotelImperial，towhichMrs。Smith，MinnieandCatwerenaturallyinvited，thoughJimsandPatsyhadbeenleftinSydneyafterMeggiesaidfirmlythatshecouldn’tseethepointinbringingthemsixhundredmilestowitnessaceremonytheydidn’treallyunderstand。Shehadreceivedtheirlettersofcongratulations；Jims’slong，ramblingandchildlike，Patsy’sconsistingofthreewords，"Lotsofluck。"TheyknewLuke，ofcourse，havingriddentheDroghedapaddockswithhimduringtheirvacations。

Mrs。SmithwasgrievedatMeggie’sinsistenceonassmallanaffairaspossible；shehadhopedtoseetheonlygirlmarriedonDroghedawithflagsflyingandcymbalsclashing，daysofcelebration。ButMeggiewassoagainstafusssheevenrefusedtowearbridalregalia；shewouldbemarriedinadaydressandanordinaryhat，whichcoulddoubleafterwardsashertravelingoutfit。

"Darling，I’vedecidedwheretotakeyouforourhoneymoon，"Lukesaid，slippingintoachairoppositeherstheSundayaftertheyhadmadetheirweddingplans。

"Where？"

"NorthQueensland。WhileyouwereatthedressmakerIgottalkingtosomechapsintheImperialbar，andtheyweretellingmethere’smoneytobemadeupincanecountry，ifaman’sstrongandnotafraidofhardwork。""ButLuke，youalreadyhaveagoodjobhere！""Amandoesn’tfeelright，batteningonhisin-laws。IwanttogetusthemoneytobuyaplaceoutinWesternQueensland，andIwantitbeforeI’mtoooldtoworkit。Amanwithnoeducationfindsithardtogethigh-payingworkinthisDepression，butthere’sashortageofmeninNorthQueensland，andthemoney’satleasttentimeswhatIearnasastockmanonDrogheda。""Doingwhat？"

"Cuttingsugarcane。"

"Cuttingsugarcane？That’scoolielabor"

"No，you’rewrong。Cooliesaren’tbigenoughtodoitaswellasthewhitecutters，andbesides，youknowaswellasIdothatAustralianlawforbidstheimportationofblackoryellowmentodoslavelabororworkforwageslowerthanawhiteman’s，takethebreadoutofawhiteAustralian’smouth。There’sashortageofcuttersandthemoney’sterrific。Nottoomanyblokesarebigenoughorstrongenoughtocutcane。But1am。Itwon’tbeatme！""Doesthismeanyou’rethinkingofmakingourhomeinNorthQueensland，Luke？"

"Yes。"

ShestaredpasthisshoulderthroughthegreatbankofwindowsatDrogheda:theghostgums，theHomePaddock，thestretchoftreesbeyond。Nottoliveon

Drogheda！TobesomewhereBishopRalphcouldneverfindher，tolivewithouteverseeinghimagain，tocleavetothisstrangersittingfacinghersoirrevocablytherecouldbenogoingback……ThegreyeyesrestedonLuke’svivid，impatientfaceandgrewmorebeautiful，butunmistakablysadder。Hesenseditonly；shehadnotearsthere，herlidsdidn’tdroop，orthecornersofhermouth。Buthewasn’tconcernedwithwhateversorrowsMeggieowned，forhehadnointentionoflettingherbecomesoimportanttohimshecausedhimworryonherbehalf。AdmittedlyshewassomethingofabonustoamanwhohadtriedtomarryDotMacPhersonofBingelly，butherphysicaldesirabilityandtractablenatureonlyincreasedLuke’sguardoverhisownheart。Nowoman，evenoneassweetandbeautifulasMeggieCleary，wasevergoingtogainsufficientpoweroverhimtotellhimwhattodo。

So，remainingtruetohimself，heplungedstraightintothemainthingonhismind。Thereweretimeswhenguilewasnecessary，butinthismatteritwouldn’tservehimaswellasbluntness。

"Meghann，I’manold-fashionedman，"hesaid。Shestaredathim，puzzled。"Areyou？"sheasked，hertoneimplying:Doesitmatter？

"Yes，"hesaid。"Ibelievethatwhenamanandwomanmarry，allthewoman’spropertyshouldbecometheman’s。Thewayadowrydidintheolddays。Iknowyou’vegotabitofmoney，andI’mtellingyounowthatwhenwemarryyou’retosignitovertome。It’sonlyfairyouknowwhat’sinmymindWhileyou’restillsingle，andabletodecidewhetheryouwanttodoit。"

IthadneveroccurredtoMeggiethatshewouldretainhermoney；shehadsimplyassumedwhenshemarrieditwouldbecomeLuke’s，nothers。AllsavethemosteducatedandsophisticatedAustralianwomenwererearedtothinkthemselvesmoreorlessthechattelsoftheirmen，andthiswasespeciallytrueofMeggie。DaddyhadalwaysruledFeeandhischildren，andsincehisdeathFeehaddeferredtoBobashissuccessor。Themanownedthemoney，thehouse，hiswifeandhischildren。Meggiehadneverquestionedhisrighttodoso。

"Oh！"sheexclaimed。"Ididn’tknowsigningany-thingwasnecessary，Luke。Ithoughtthatwhatwasmineautomaticallybecameyourswhenwemarried。"

"Itusedtobelikethat，butthosestupiddrongosinCanberrastoppeditwhentheygavewomenthevote。Iwanteverythingtobefairandsquarebetweenus，Meghann，soI’mtellingyounowhowthingsaregoingtobe。"Shelaughed，"It’sallright，Luke，Idon’tmind。"

Shetookitlikeagoodold-fashionedwife；Dotwouldn’thavegiveninsoreadily。"Howmuchhaveyougot？"heasked。

"Atthemoment，fourteenthousandpounds。EveryyearIgettwothousandmore。"

Hewhistled。"Fourteenthousandpounds！Phew！That’salotofmoney，Meghann。Bettertohavemelookafteritforyou。Wecanseethebankmanagernextweek，andremindmetomakesureeverythingcomingininthefuturegetsputinmyname，too。I’mnotgoingtotouchapennyofit，youknowthat。It’stobuyourstationlateron。Forthenextfewyearswe’rebothgoingtoworkhard，andsaveeverypennyweearn。Allright？"Shenodded。"Yes，Luke。"

AsimpleoversightonLuke’spartnearlyscotchedtheweddinginmidplan。HewasnotaCatholic。WhenFatherWattyfoundouthethrewuphishandsinhorror。

"DearLord，Luke，whydidn’tyoutellmeearlier？Indeedandtogoodness，itwilltakeallofourenergiestohaveyouconvertedandbaptizedbeforethewedding！"

LukestaredatFatherWatty，astonished。"Whosaidanythingaboutconverting，Father？I’mquitehappyasIambeingnothing，butifitworriesyou，writemedownasaCalathumpianoraHolyRollerorwhateveryoulike。ButwritemedownaCatholicyouwillnot。"

Invaintheypleaded；Lukerefusedtoentertain

ideaofconversionforamoment。"I’vegotnothingagainstCatholicismorEire，andIthinktheCatholicsinUlsterareharddoneby。ButI’mOrange，andI’mnotaturncoat。IfIwasaCatholicandyouwantedmetoconverttoMethodism，I’dreactthesame。It’sbeingaturncoatIobjectto，notbeingaCatholic。Soyou’llhavetodowithoutmeintheflock，Father，andthat’sthat。"

"Thenyoucan’tgetmarried！"

"Whyonearthnot？Ifyoudon’twanttomarryus，Ican’tseewhytheReverendupattheChurchofEnglandwillobject，orHarryGoughtheJ。P。"Feesmiledsourly，rememberinghercontretempswithPaddyandapriest；shehadwonthatencounter。

"But，Luke，Ihavetobemarriedinchurch！"Meggieprotestedfearfully。"IfI’mnot，I’llbelivinginsin！"

"Well，asfarasI’mconcerned，livinginsinisalotbetterthanturningmycoatinsideout，"saidLuke，whowassometimesacuriouscontradiction；muchashewantedMeggie’smoney，ablindstreakofstubbornnessinhimwouldn’tlethimbackdown。

"Oh，stopallthissilliness！"saidFee，nottoLukebuttothepriest。"DowhatPaddyandIdidandhaveanendtoargument！FatherThomascanmarryyouinthepresbyteryifhedoesn’twanttosoilhischurch！"Everyonestaredather，amazed，butitdidthetrick；FatherWatkingaveinandagreedtomarrytheminthepresbytery，thoughherefusedtoblessthering。

PartialChurchsanctionleftMeggiefeelingshewassinning，butnotbadlyenoughtogotoHell，andancientAnniethepresbyteryhousekeeperdidherbesttomakeFatherWatty’sstudyaschurchlikeaspossible，withgreatvasesofflowersandmanybrasscandlesticks。Butitwasanuncomfortableceremony，theverydispleasedpriestmakingeveryonefeelheonlywentthroughwithittosavehimselftheembarrassmentofasecularweddingelsewhere。NoNuptialMass，noblessings。

However，itwasdone。MeggiewasMrs。LukeO’neill，onherwaytoNorthQueenslandandahoneymoonsomewhatdelayedbythetimeitwouldtakegettingthere。LukerefusedtospendthatSaturdaynightattheImperial，forthebranch-linetraintoGoondiwindileftonlyonceaweek，onSaturdaynight，toconnectwiththeGoondiwindi-BrisbanemailtrainonSunday。ThiswouldbringthemtoBrisonMondayintimetocatchtheCairnsexpress。

TheGoondiwinditrainwascrowded。Theyhadnoprivacyandsatupallnightbecauseitcarriednosleepingcars。Hourafterhourittrundleditserratic，grumpywaynortheast，stoppinginterminablyeverytimetheenginedriverfeltlikebrewingabillyofteaforhimself，ortoletamobofsheepwanderalongtherails，ortohaveayarnwithadrover。"IwonderwhytheypronounceGoondiwindiGundiwindiiftheydon’twanttospellitthatway？"MeggieaskedidlyastheywaitedintheonlyplaceopeninGoondiwindionaSunday，theawfulinstitutional-greenstationwaitingroomwithitshardblackwoodenbenches。PoorMeggie，shewasnervousandillatease。

"HowdoIknow？"sighedLuke，whodidn’tfeelliketalkingandwasstarvingintothebargain。SinceitwasSundaytheycouldn’tevengetacupoftea；notuntiltheMonday-morningbreakfaststopontheBrisbanemaildidtheygetanopportunitytofilltheiremptystomachsandslaketheirthirst。ThenBrisbane，intoSouthBrisstation，thetrekacrossthecitytoRomaStreetStationandtheCairnstrain。HereMeggiediscoveredLukehadbookedthemtwosecond-classuprightseats。"Luke，we’renotshortofmoney！"shesaid，tiredandexasperated。"Ifyouforgottogotothebank，I’vegotahundredpoundsBobgavemehereinmypurse。Whydidn’tyougetusafirst-classsleepingcompartment？"Hestareddownather，astounded。"Butit’sonlythreenightsandthreedaystoDungloe！Whyspendmoneyonasleeperwhenwe’rebothyoung，healthyandstrong？Sittinguponatrainforawhilewon’tkillyou，Meghann！It’sabouttimeyourealizedyou’vemarriedaplainoldworkingman，notabloodysquatter！

SoMeggieslumpedinthewindowseatLukeseizedforherandrestedhertremblingchinonherhandtolookoutthewindowsoLukewouldn’tnoticehertears。Hehadspokentoherasonespeakstoanirresponsiblechild，andshewasbeginningtowonderifindeedthiswashowheregardedher。Rebellionbegantostir，butitwasverysmallandherfierceprideforbadetheindignityofquarreling。Insteadshetoldherselfshewasthismart’swife，butitwassuchanewthinghewasn’tusedtoit。Givehimtime。Theywouldlivetogether，shewouldcookhismeals，mendhisclothes，lookafterhim，havehisbabies，beagoodwifetohim。LookhowmuchDaddyhadappreciatedMum，howmuchhehadadoredher。GiveLuketime。

TheyweregoingtoatowncalledDungloe，onlyfiftymilesshortofCairns，whichwasthefarnorthernterminusofthelinewhichranallthewayalongtheQueenslandcoast。Overathousandmilesofnarrowthree-foot-six-gaugerail，rockingandpitchingbackandforth，everyseatinthecompartmentoccupied，nochancetoliedownorstretchout。ThoughitwasfarmoredenselysettledcountrysidethanGilly，andfarmorecolorful，shecouldn’tsummonupinterestinit。

Herheadached，shecouldkeepnofooddownandtheheatwasmuch，muchworsethananythingGillyhadevercookedup。Thelovelypinksilkweddingdresswasfilthyfromsootblowinginthewindows，herskinwasclammywithasweatwhichwouldn’tevaporate，andwhatwasmoregallingthananyofherphysicaldiscomforts，shewasclosetohatingLuke。Apparentlynotintheleasttiredoroutofsortsbecauseofthejourney，hesatathiseaseyarningwithtwomengoingtoCardwell。Theonlytimesheglancedinherdirectionhealsogotup，leanedacrosshersocarelesslysheshrank，andflungarolled-upnewspaperoutthewindowtosomeevent-hungrygangoftatteredmenbesidethelinewithsteelhammersintheirhands，calling:"Paip！Paip！"

"Fettlerslookingaftertherails，"heexplainedashesatdownagainthefirsttimeithappened。

Andheseemedtoassumeshewasquiteashappyandcomfortableashewas，thatthecoastalplainflyingbywasfascinatingher。Whileshesatstaringatitandnotseeingit，hatingitbeforeshehadsomuchassetfootonit。AtCardwellthetwomengotoff，andLukewenttothefish-and-chipshopacrosstheroadfromthestationtobringbackanewspaper-wrappedbundle。"TheysayCardwellfishhastobetastedtobebelieved，Meghannlove。Thebestfishintheworld。Here，trysome。It’syourfirstbitofgenuineBananalandfood。Itellyou，there’snoplacelikeQueensland。"Meggieglancedatthegreasypiecesofbatter-dippedfish，putherhandkerchieftohermouthandboltedforthetoilet。Hewaswaitinginthecorridorwhenshecameoutsometimelater，whiteandshaking。"What’sthematter？Aren’tyoufeelingwell？""Ihaven’tfeltwellsinceweleftGoondiwindi。"

"GoodLord！Whydidn’tyoutellme？"

"Whydidn’tyounotice？"

"Youlookedallrighttome。"

"Howfarisitnow？"sheasked，givingup。

"Threetosixhours，giveortakeabit。Theydon’truntotimetableupheretoomuch。There’splentyofroomnowthoseblokesaregone；liedownandputyourtootsiesinmylap。"

"Oh，don’tbaby-talkme！"shesnappedtartly。"Itwouldhavebeenalotbetterifthey’dgotofftwodaysagoinBundaberg！""Comeonnow，Meghann，beagoodsport！Nearlythere。OnlyTullyandInnisfail，thenDungloe。"

Itwaslateafternoonwhentheysteppedoffthetrain，

MeggieclingingdesperatelytoLuke’sarm，tooproudtoadmitshewasn’tabletowalkproperly。Heaskedthestationmasterforthenameofaworkingmen’shotel，pickeduptheircasesandwalkedoutontothestreet，Meggiebehindhimweavingdrunkenly。

"Onlytotheendoftheblockontheothersideofthestreet，"hecomforted。"Thewhitetwo-storiedjoint。"

ThoughtheirroomwassmallandfilledtooverflowingwithgreatpiecesofVictorianfurniture，itlookedlikeheaventoMeggie，collapsingontheedgeofthedoublebed。

"Liedownforawhilebeforedinner，love。I’mgoingouttofindmylandmarks，"hesaid，saunteringfromtheroomlookingasfreshandrestedashehadontheirweddingmorning。ThathadbeenSaturday，andthiswaslateThursdayafternoon；fivedayssittingupincrowdedtrains，chokedbycigarettesmokeandsoot。

Thebedwasrockingmonotonouslyintimetotheclickety-clickofsteelwheelspassingoverrailjoins，butMeggieturnedherheadintothepillowgratefully，andslept，andslept。

Someonehadtakenoffhershoesandstockings，andcoveredherwithasheet；Meggiestirred，openedhereyesandlookedaround。Lukewassittingonthewindowledgewithonekneedrawnup，smoking。Hermovementmadehimturntolookather，andhesmiled。

"Anicebrideyouare！HereIamlookingforwardtomyhoneymoonandmywifeconksoutfornearlytwodays！IwasabitworriedwhenIcouldn’twakeyouup，butthepublicansaysithitswomenlikethat，thetripupinthetrainandthehumidity。Hesaidjustletyousleepitoff。Howdoyoufeelnow？"

Shesatupstiffly，stretchedherarmsandyawned，"Ifeelmuchbetter，thankyou。Oh，Luke！IknowI’myoungandstrong，butI’mawoman！Ican’ttakethesortofphysicalpunishmentyoucan。"

Hecametositontheedgeofthebed，rubbingherarminarathercharminggestureofcontrition。"I’msorry，Meghann，Ireallyam。Ididn’tthinkofyourbeingawoman。Notusedtohavingawifewithme，that’sall。Areyouhungry，darling？"

"Starved。Doyourealizeit’salmostaweeksinceI’veeaten？""Thenwhydon’tyouhaveabath，putonacleandressandcomeoutsidetolookatDungloe？"

TherewasaChinesecafenextdoortothehotel，whereLukeledMeggieforherfirst-evertasteofOrientalfood。Shewassohungryanythingwouldhavetastedgood，butthiswassuperb。Nordidshecareifitwasmadeofrats"tailsandsharks’finsandfowls’bowels，asrumorhaditinGillanbone，whichonlypossessedacaferunbyGreekswhoservedsteakandchips。Lukehadbrown-baggedtwoquartbottlesofbeerfromthehotelandinsistedshedrinkaglassinspiteofherdislikeforbeer。"Goeasyonthewateratfirst，"headvised。"Beerwon’tgiveyouthetrots。"

ThenhetookherarmandwalkedheraroundDungloeproudly，asifheownedit。Butthen，LukewasbornaQueenslander。WhataplaceDungloewas！Ithadalookandacharacterfarremovedfromwesterntowns。InsizeitwasprobablythesameasGilly，butinsteadoframblingforeverdownonemainstreet。Dungloewasbuiltinorderedsquareblocks，andallitsshopsandhouseswerepaintedwhite，notbrown。Windowswereverticalwoodentransoms，presumablytocatchthebreeze，andwhereverpossibleroofshadbeendispensedwith，likethemovietheater，whichhadascreen，transomedwallsandrowsofship’scanvasdeskchairs，butnoroofatall。Allaroundtheedgeofthetownencroachedagenuinejungle。Vinesandcreeperssprawledeverywhereupposts，acrossroofs，alongwalls。Treessproutedcasuallyinthemiddleoftheroad，orhadhousesbuiltaroundthem，orperhapshadgrownupthroughthehouses。Itwasimpossibletotellwhichhadcomefirst，treesorhumanhabitations，fortheoverwhelmingimpressionwasoneofuncontrolled，hecticgrowthofvegetation。CoconutpalmstallerandstraighterthantheDroghedaghostgumswavedfrondsagainstadeep，swimmingbluesky；everywhereMeggielookedwasablazeofcolor。Nobrown-and-greyland，this。Everykindoftreeseemedtobeinflower-purple，orange，scarlet，pink，blue，white。ThereweremanyChineseinblacksilktrousers，tinyblack-and-whiteshoeswithwhitesocks，whiteMandarin-collaredshirts，pigtailsdowntheirbacks。MalesandfemaleslookedsoalikeMeggiefounditdifficulttotellwhichwerewhich。AlmosttheentirecommerceofthetownseemedtobeinthehandsofChinese；alargedepartmentstore，farmoreopulentthananythingGillypossessed，boreaChinesename:AHWONG’S，saidthesign。Allthehouseswerebuiltontopofveryhighpiles，liketheoldheadstockman’sresidenceonDrogheda。Thiswastoachievemaximumaircirculation，Lukeexplained，andkeepthetermitesfromcausingthemtofalldownayearaftertheywerebuilt。Atthetopofeachpilewasatinplatewithturned-downedges；termitescouldn’tbendtheirbodiesinthemiddleandthuscouldn’tcrawloverthetinparapetintothewoodofthehouseitself。Ofcoursetheyfeastedonthepiles，butwhenapilerotteditwasremovedandreplacedbyanewone。Mucheasierandlessexpensivethanputtingupanewhouse。Mostofthegardensseemedtobejungle，bambooandpalms，asiftheinhabitantshadgivenuptryingtokeepfloralorder。Themenandwomenshockedher。TogofordinnerandawalkwithLukeshehaddressedascustomdemandedinheeledshoes，silkstockings，satinslip，floatingsilkfrockwithbeltandelbowsleeves。Onherheadwasabigstrawhat，onherhandsweregloves。Andwhatirritatedherthemostwasanuncomfortablefeelingfromthewaypeoplestaredthatshewastheoneimproperlydressed！Themenwerebare-footed，bare-leggedandmostlybare-chested，wearingnothingbutdrabkhakishorts；thefewwhocoveredtheirchestsdidsowithathleticsinglets，notshirts。Thewomenwereworse。Afewworeskimpycottondressesclearlyminusanythinginthewayofunderwear，nostockings，sloppysandals。Butthemajorityworeshortshorts，wentbare-footedandshieldedtheirbreastswithindecentlittlesleevelessvests。Dungloewasacivilizedtown，notabeach。Butherewereitsnativewhiteinhabitantsstrollingaroundinbrazenundress；theChinesewerebetterclad。Therewerebicycleseverywhere，hundredsofthem；afewcars，nohorsesatall。Yes，verydifferentfromGilly。Anditwashot，hot，hot。Theypassedathermometerwhichincrediblysaidamereninetydegrees；inGillyat115degreesitseemedcoolerthanthis。Meggiefeltasifshemovedthroughsolidairwhichherbodyhadtocutlikewet，steamybutter，asifwhenshebreathedherlungsfilledwithwater。

"Luke，Ican’tbearit！Please，canwegoback？"shegaspedafterlessthanamile。

"Ifyouwant。You’refeelingthehumidity。Itrarelygetsbelowninetypercent，winterorsummer，andthetemperaturerarelygetsbeloweighty-fiveoraboveninety-five。There’snotmuchofaseasonalvariation，butinsummerthemonsoonssendthehumidityuptoahundredpercentalltheflamingtime。""Summerrain，notwinter？"

"Allyearround。Themonsoonsalwayscome，andwhenthey’renotblowing，thesoutheasttradesare。Theycarryalotofrain，too。Dungloehasanannualrainfallofbetweenoneandthreehundredinches。"

Threehundredinchesofrainayear！PoorGillyecstaticifitgotaprincelyfifteen，whilehereasmuchasthreehundredfell，twothousandmilesfromGilly。

"Doesn’titcooloffatnight？"Meggieaskedastheyreachedthehotel；hotnightsinGillywerebearablecomparedtothissteambath。

"Notverymuch。You’llgetusedtoit。"Heopenedthedoortotheirroomandstoodbackforhertoenter。"I’mgoingdowntothebarforabeer，butI’llbebackinhalfanhour。Thatoughttogiveyouenoughtime。"Hereyesflewtohisface，startled。"Yes，Luke。"

Dungloewasseventeendegreessouthoftheequator，sonightfelllikeathunderclap；oneminuteitseemedthesunwasscarcelysetting，andthenextminutepitch-blackdarknessspreaditselfthickandwarmliketreacle。WhenLukecamebackMeggiehadswitchedoffthelightandwaslyinginthebedwiththesheetpulleduptoherchin。Laughing，hereachedoutandtuggeditoffher，threwitonthefloor。

"It’shotenough，love！Wewon’tneedasheet。"

Shecouldhearhimwalkingabout，seehisfaintshadowsheddingitsclothes。"Iputyourpajamasonthedressingtable，"shewhispered。"Pajamas？Inweatherlikethis？IknowinGillythey’dhaveastrokeatthethoughtofamannotwearingpajamas，butthisisDungloe！Areyoureallywearinganightie？"

"Yes。"

"Thentakeitoff。Thebloodythingwillonlybeanuisanceanyway。"Fumbling，MeggiemanagedtowriggleoutofthelawnnightgownMrs。Smithhadembroideredsolovinglyforherweddingnight，thankfulthatitwastoodarkforhimtoseeher。Hewasright；itwasmuchcoolerlyingbareandlettingthebreezefromthewide-opentransomsplayoverherthinly。Butthethoughtofanotherhotbodyinthebedwithherwasdepressing。Thespringscreaked；Meggiefeltdampskintouchherarmandjumped。Heturnedonhisside，pulledherintohisarmsandkissedher。Atfirstshelaypassively，tryingnottothinkofthatwide-openmouthanditsprobing，indecenttongue，butthenshebegantostruggletobefree，notwantingtobecloseintheheat，notwantingtobekissed，notwantingLuke。Itwasn’tabitlikethatnightintheRollscomingbackfromRudnaHunish。Shecouldn’tseemtofeelanythinginhimwhichthoughtofher，andsomepartofhimwaspushinginsistentlyatherthighswhileonehand，itsnailssquarelysharp，dugintoherbuttocks。Herfearblossomedintoterror，shewasoverwhelmedinmorethanaphysicalwaybyhisstrengthanddetermination，hislackofawarenessofher。Suddenlyhelethergo，satupandseemedtofumblewithhimself，snappingandpullingatsomething……"Betterbesafe，"hegasped。"Lieonyourback，it’stime。No，notlikethat！Open-yourlegs，forGod’ssake！Don’tyouknowanything？"No，no，Luke，Idon’t！shewantedtocry。Thisishorrible，obscene；whateveritisyou’redoingtomecan’tpossiblybepermittedbythelawsofChurchormen！Heactuallylaydownontopofher，liftedhishipsandpokedatherwithonehand，theothersofirmlyinherhairshedidn’tdaremove。Twitchingandjumpingatthealienthingbetweenherlegs，shetriedtodoashewanted，spreadherlegswider，buthewasmuchbroaderthanshewas，andhergroinmuscleswentintocrampyspasmfromtheweightofhimandtheun-accustomedposture。Eventhroughthedarkeningmistsoffrightandexhaustionshecouldsensethegatheringofsomemightypower；asheenteredheralonghighscreamleftherlips。

"Shutup！"hegroaned，tookhishandoutofherhairandclampeditdefensivelyoverhermouth。"Whatdoyouwanttodo，makeeveryoneinthisbloodypubthinkI’mmurderingyou？Liestillanditwon’thurtanymorethanithasto！Liestill，liestill！"

Shefoughtlikeonepossessedtoberidofthatghastly，painfulthing，buthisweightpinnedherdownandhishanddeadenedhercries，theagonywentonandon。Utterlydrybecausehehadn’trousedher，theevendriercondomscrapedandraspedhertissuesasheworkedhimselfinandout，fasterandfaster，thebreathbeginningtohissbetweenhisteeth；thensomechangestilledhim，madehimshudder，swallowhard。Thepaindulledtorawsorenessandhemercifullyrolledoffhertolieonhisback，gasping。"It’llbebetterforyouthenexttime，"hemanagedtosay。"Thefirsttimealwayshurtsthewoman。"

Thenwhydidn’tyouhavethedecencytotellmethatbeforehand？shewantedtosnarl，butshehadn’ttheenergytoutterthewords，shewastoobusywantingtodie。Notonlybecauseofthepain，butalsofromthediscoverythatshehadpossessednoidentityforhim，onlybeenaninstrument。Thesecondtimehurtjustasmuch，andthethird；exasperated，expectingherdiscomfort(forsohedeemedit)todisappearmagicallyafterthefirsttimeandthusnotunderstandingwhyshecontinuedtofightandcryout，Lukegrewangry，turnedhisbackonherandwenttosleep。ThetearsslippedsidewaysfromMeggie’seyesintoherhair；shelayonherbackwishingfordeath，orelseforheroldlifeonDrogheda。

WasthatwhatFatherRalphhadmeantyearsago，whenhehadtoldherofthehiddenpassagewaytodowithhavingchildren？Anicewaytofindoutwhathemeant。Nowonderhehadpreferrednottoexplainitmoreclearlyhimself。YetLukehadlikedtheactivitywellenoughtodoitthreetimesinquicksuccession。Obviouslyitdidn’thurthim。Andforthatshefoundherselfhatinghim，hatingit。

Exhausted，sosoremovingwasagony，MeggieinchedherselfoverontohersidewithherbacktoLuke，andweptintothepillow。Sleepeludedher，thoughLukesleptsosoundlyhersmalltimidmovementsnevercausedsomuchasachangeinthepatternofhisbreathing。Hewasaneconomicalsleeperandaquietone，heneithersnorednorfloppedabout，andshethoughtwhilewaitingforthelatedawnthatifithadjustbeenamatteroflyingdowntogether，shemighthavefoundhimnicetobewith。Andthedawncame，asquicklyandjoylesslyasdarknesshad；itseemedstrangenottohearroosterscrowing，theothersoundsofarousingDroghedawithitssheepandhorsesandpigsanddogs。

Lukewoke，androlledover，shefelthimkissherontheshoulderandwassotired，sohomesickthatsheforgotmodesty，didn’tcareaboutcoveringherself。

"Comeon，Meghann，let’shavealookatyou，"hecommanded，hishandonherhip。"Turnover，likeagoodlittlegirl。"

Nothingmatteredthismorning；Meggieturnedover，wincing，andlaylookingupathimdully。"Idon’tlikeMeghann，"shesaid，theonlyformofprotestshecouldmanage。"Idowishyou’dcallmeMeggie。"

"Idon’tlikeMeggie。ButifyoureallydislikeMeghannsomuch，I’llcallyouMeg。"Hisgazerovedherbodydreamily。"Whataniceshapeyou’vegot。"Hetouchedonebreast，pinknippleflatandunaroused。"Especiallythese。"Bunchingthepillowsintoaheap，helaybackonthemandsmiled。"Comeon，Meg，kissme。It’syourturntomakelovetome，andmaybeyou’lllikethatbetter，eh？"

IneverwanttokissyouagainaslongasIlive，shethought，lookingatthelong，heavilymuscledbody，thematofdarkhaironthechestdivingdownthebellyinathinlineandthenflaringintoabush，outofwhichgrewthedeceptivelysmallandinnocentshootwhichcouldcausesomuchpain。Howhairyhislegswere！Meggiehadgrownupwithmenwhoneverremovedalayeroftheirclothesinthepresenceofwomen，butopen-neckedshirtsshowedhairychestsinhotweather。Theywereallfairmen，andnotoffensivetoher；thisdarkmanwasalien，repulsive。Ralphhadaheadofhairjustasdark，butwellsherememberedthatsmooth，hairlessbrownchest。"Doasyou’retold，Meg！Kissme。"

Leaningover，shekissedhim；hecuppedherbreastsinhispalmsandmadehergoonkissinghim，tookoneofherhandsandpusheditdowntohisgroin。Startled，shetookherunwillingmouthawayfromhistolookatwhatlayunderherhand，changingandgrowing。"Oh，please，Luke，notagain！"shecried。"Please，notagain！Please，please！"

Theblueeyesscannedherspeculatively。"Hurtsthatmuch？Allright，we’lldosomethingdifferent，butforGod’ssaketrytobeenthusiastic！"Pullingherontopofhim，hepushedherlegsapart，liftedhershouldersandattachedhimselftoherbreast，ashehaddoneinthecarthenightshecommittedherselftomarryinghim。Thereonlyinbody，Meggieenduredit；atleasthedidn’tputhimselfinsideher，soitdidn’thurtanymorethansimplymovingdid。Whatstrangecreaturesmenwere，togoatthisasifitwasthemostpleasurablethingintheworld。Itwasdisgusting，amockeryoflove。Haditnotbeenforherhopethatitwouldculminateinababy，Meggiewouldhaverefusedflatlytohaveanythingmoretodowithit。

"I’vegotyouajob，"Lukesaidoverbreakfastinthehoteldiningroom。"What？BeforeI’vehadachancetomakeourhomenice，Luke？Beforewe’veevengotahome？"

"There’snopointinourrentingahouse，Meg。I’mgoingtocutcane；it’sallarranged。ThebestgangofcuttersinQueenslandisagangofSwedes，PolesandIrishledbyablokecalledArneSwenson，andwhileyouweresleepingoffthejourneyIwenttoseehim。He’samanshortandhe’swillingtogivemeatrial。ThatmeansI’llbelivinginbarrackswiththem。Wecutsixdaysaweek，sunrisetosunset。Notonlythat，butwemovearoundupanddownthecoast，whereverthenextjobtakesus。HowmuchIearndependsonhowmuchsugarIcut，andifI’mgoodenoughtocutwithArne’sgangI’llbepullinginmorethantwentyquidaweek。Twentyquidaweek！Canyouimaginethat？"

"Areyoutryingtotellmewewon’tbelivingtogether，Luke？""Wecan’t，Meg！Themenwon’thaveawomaninthebarracks，andwhat’stheuseofyourlivingaloneinahouse？Youmayaswellwork，too；it’sallmoneytowardourstation。"

"ButwherewillIlive？WhatsortofworkcanIdo？There’snostocktodroveuphere。"

"No，more’sthepity。That’swhyI’vegotyoualive-injob，Meg。You’llgetfreeboard，Iwon’thavetheexpenseofkeepingyou。You’regoingtoworkasahousemaidonHimmelhoch，LudwigMueller’splace。He’sthebiggestcanecockyinthedistrictandhiswife’saninvalid，can’tmanagethehouseonherown。I’lltakeyoutheretomorrowmorning。"

"ButwhenwillIseeyou，Luke？"

"OnSundays。Luddieunderstandsyou’remarried；hedoesn’tmindifyoudisappearonSundays"

"Well！You’vecertainlyarrangedthingstoyoursatisfaction，haven’tyou？""Ireckon。Oh，Meg，we’regoingtoberich！We’llworkhardandsaveeverypenny，anditwon’tbelongbeforewecanbuyourselvesthebeststationinWesternQueensland。There’sthefourteenthousandI’vegotintheGillybank，thetwothousandayearmorecominginthere，andthethirteenhundredormoreayearwecanearnbetweenus。Itwon’tbelong，love，Ipromise。Grinandbearitforme，eh？Whybecontentwitharentedhousewhentheharderweworknowmeansthesooneryou’llbelookingaroundyourownkitchen？""Ifit’swhatyouwant。"Shelookeddownatherpurse。"Luke，didyoutakemyhundredpounds？"

"Iputitinthebank。Youcan’tcarrymoneylikethataround，Meg。

"Butyoutookeverybitofit！Idon’thaveapenny！Whataboutspendingmoney？"

"Whyonearthdoyouwantspendingmoney？You’llbeoutatHimmelhochinthemorning，andyoucan’tspendanythingthere。I’lltakecareofthehotelbill。It’stimeyourealizedyou’vemarriedaworkingman，Meg，thatyou’renotthepamperedsquatter’sdaughterwithmoneytoburn。Muellerwillpayyourwagesstraightintomybankaccount，wherethey’llstayalongwithmine。I’mnotspendingthemoneyonmyself，Meg，youknowthat。Neitherofusisgoingtotouchit，becauseit’sforourfuture，ourstation。"

"Yes，Iunderstand。You’reverysensible，Luke。ButwhatifIshouldhaveababy？"

Foramomenthewastemptedtotellherthetruth，thattherewouldbenobabyuntilthestationwasareality，butsomethinginherfacemadehimdecidenotto。

"Well，let’scrossthatbridgewhenwecometoit，eh？I’dratherwedidn’thaveoneuntilwe’vegotourstation，solet’sjusthopewedon’t。"Nohome，nomoney，nobabies。Nohusband，forthatmatter。Meggiestartedtolaugh。Lukejoinedher，histeacupliftedinatoast。"Here’stoFrenchletters，"hesaid。

InthemorningtheywentouttoHimmelhochonthelocalbus，anoldFordwithnoglassinitswindowsandroomfortwelvepeople。Meggiewasfeelingbetter，forLukehadleftheralonewhensheofferedhimabreast，andseemedtolikeitquiteaswellasthatotherawfulthing。Muchandallasshewantedbabies，hercouragehadfailedher。ThefirstSundaythatshewasn’tsoreatall，shetoldherself，shewouldbewillingtotryagain。Perhapstherewasababyalreadyontheway，andsheneedn’tbotherwithiteveragainunlessshewantedmore。Eyesbrighter，shelookedaroundherwithinterestasthebuschuggedoutalongthereddirtroad。Itwasbreath-takingcountry，sodifferentfromGilly；shehadtoadmittherewasagrandeurandbeautyhereGillyquitelacked。Easytoseetherewasneverashortageofwater。Thesoilwasthecoloroffreshlyspilledblood，brilliantscarlet，andthecaneinthefieldsnotfallowwasaperfectcontrasttothesoil:longbrightgreenbladeswavingfifteenortwentyfeetaboveclaret-coloredstalksasthickasLuke’sarm。Nowhereintheworld，ravedLuke，didcanegrowastallorasrichinsugar；itsyieldwasthehighestknown。Thatbright-redsoilwasoverahundredfeetdeep，andsostuffedwithexactlytherightnutrientsthecanecouldn’thelpbutbeperfect，especiallyconsideringtherainfall。Andnowhereelseintheworldwasitcutbywhitemen，atthewhiteman’sdriving，money-hungrypace。"Youlookgoodonasoapbox，Luke，"saidMeggieironically。Heglancedsidewaysather，suspiciously，butrefrainedfromcommentbecausethebushadstoppedonthesideoftheroadtoletthemoff。Himmelhochwasalargewhitehouseontopofahill，surroundedbycoconutpalms，bananapalmsandbeautifulsmallerpalmswhoseleavessplayedoutwardingreatfanslikethetailsofpeacocks。Agroveofbamboofortyfeethighcutthehouseofffromtheworstofthenorthwestmonsoonalwinds；evenwithitshillelevationitwasstillmountedontopoffifteen-footpiles。Lukecarriedhercase；Meggietoileduptheredroadbesidehim，gasping，stillincorrectshoesandstockings，herhatwiltingaroundherface。Thecanebaronhimselfwasn’tin，buthiswifecameontotheverandaastheymountedthesteps，balancingherselfbetweentwosticks。Shewassmiling；lookingatherdearkindface，Meggiefeltbetteratonce。"Comein，comein！"shesaidinastrongAustralianaccent。ExpectingaGermanvoice，Meggiewasimmeasurablycheered。Lukeputhercasedown，shookhandswhentheladytookherrightoneoffitsstick，thenpoundedawaydownthestepsinahurrytocatchthebusonitsreturnjourney。ArneSwensonwaspickinghimupoutsidethepubatteno’clock。"What’syourfirstname，Mrs。O’neill？"

"Meggie。"

"Oh，that’snice。MineisAnne，andI’dratheryoucalledmeAnne。It’sbeensolonelyupheresincemygirlleftmeamonthago，butit’snoteasytogetgoodhousehelp，soI’vebeenbattlingonmyown。There’sonlyLuddieandmetolookafter；wehavenochildren。Ihopeyou’regoingtolikelivingwithus，Meggie。"

"I’msureIwill，Mrs。Mueller-Anne。"

"Letmeshowyoutoyourroom。Canyoumanagethecase？I’mnotmuchgoodatcarryingthings，I’mafraid。"

Theroomwasausterelyfurnished，liketherestofthehouse，butitlookedoutontheonlysideofthehousewheretheviewwasunimpededbysomesortofwindbreak，andsharedthesamestretchofverandaasthelivingroom，whichseemedverybaretoMeggiewithitscanefurnitureandlackoffabric。"It’sjusttoohotuphereforvelvetorchintz，"Anneexplained。"Welivewithwicker，andaslittleonourselvesasdecencyallows。I’llhavetoeducateyou，oryou’lldie。You’rehopelesslyoverclothed。"

Sheherselfwasinasleeveless，low-neckedvestandapairofshortshorts，outofwhichherpoortwistedlegspokeddoddering。InnotimeatallMeggiefoundherselfsimilarlyclad，loanedfromAnneuntilLukecouldbepersuadedtobuyhernewclothes。Itwashumiliatingtohavetoexplainthatshewasallowednomoney，butatleasthavingtoendurethisattenuatedherembarrassmentoverwearingsolittle。

"Well，youcertainlydecoratemyshortsbetterthanIdo，"saidAnne。Shewentonwithherbreezylecture。"Luddiewillbringyoufirewood；you’renottocutyourownordragitupthesteps。IwishwehadelectricityliketheplacescloserintoDunny，butthegovernmentisslowerthanawetweek。MaybenextyearthelinewillreachasfarasHimmelhoch，butuntilthenit’stheawfuloldfuelstove，I’mafraid。Butyouwait，Meggie！

Theminutetheygiveuspowerwe’llhaveanelectricstove，electriclightsandarefrigerator。"

"I’musedtodoingwithoutthem。"

"Yes，butwhereyoucomefromtheheatisdry。Thisisfar，farworse。I’mjustfrightenedthatyourhealthwillsuffer。Itoftendoesinwomenwhoweren’tbornandbroughtuphere；somethingtodowiththeblood。We’reonthesamelatitudesouthasBombayandRangoonarenorth，youknow；notfitcountryformanorbeastunlessborntoit。"Shesmiled。"Oh，it’snicehavingyoualready！YouandIaregoingtohaveawonderfultime！Doyoulikereading？LuddieandIhaveapassionforit。"

Meggie’sfacelitup。"Oh，yes！"

"Splendid！You’llbetoocontenttomissthatbighandsomehusbandofyours。"

Meggiedidn’tanswer。MissLuke？Washehandsome？Shethoughtthatifsheneversawhimagainshewouldbeperfectlyhappy。Exceptthathewasherhusband，thatthelawsaidshehadtomakeherlifewithhim。Shehadgoneintoitwithhereyesopen；shehadnoonetoblamesaveherself。AndperhapsasthemoneycameinandthestationinWesternQueenslandbecameareality，therewouldbetimeforLukeandhertolivetogether，settledown，knoweachother，getalong。

Hewasn’tabadman，orunlikable；itwasjustthathehadbeenalonesolonghedidn’tknowhowtosharehimselfwithsomeoneelse。Andhewasasimpleman，ruthlesslysingleofpurpose，untormented。Whathedesiredwasaconcretething，evenifadream；itwasapositiverewardwhichwouldsurelycomeastheresultofunremittingwork，grindingsacrifice。Forthatonehadtorespecthim。Notforamomentdidshethinkhewouldusethemoneytogivehimselfluxuries；hehadmeantwhathesaid；Itwouldstayinthebank。Thetroublewashedidn’thavethetimeortheinclinationtounderstandawoman，hedidn’tseemtoknowawomanwasdifferent，neededthingshedidn’tneed，asheneededthingsshedidn’t。Well，itcouldbeworse。HemighthaveputhertoworkforsomeonefarcolderandlessconsideratethanAnneMueller。Ontopofthishillshewouldn’tcometoanyharm。Butoh，itwassofarfromDrogheda！

Thatlastthoughtcameagainaftertheyfinishedtouringthehouse，andstoodtogetheronthelivingroomverandalookingoutacrossHimmelhoch。Thegreatfieldsofcane(onecouldn’tcallthempaddocks，sincetheyweresmallenoughtoencompasswiththeeyes)plumedlushlyinthewind，arestlesslysparklingandpolished-by-raingreen，fallingawayinalongslopetothejungle-cladbanksofagreatriver，widerbyfarthantheBarwon。Beyondtheriverthecanelandsroseagain，squaresofpoisonousgreeninterspersedwithbloodyfallowfields，untilatthefootofavastmountainthecultivationstopped，andthejungletookover。Behindtheconeofmountain，fartheraway，otherpeaksrearedanddiedpurpleintothedistance。Theskywasaricher，denserbluethanGillyskies，puffedwithwhitebillowsofthickcloud，andthecolorofthewholewasvivid，intense。

"That’sMountBartleFrere，"saidAnne，pointingtotheisolatedpeak。"Sixthousandfeetstraightupoutofasea-levelplain。Theysayit’ssolidtin，butthere’snohopeofminingitforthejungle。"

Ontheheavy，idlewindcameastrong，sickeningstenchMeggiehadn’tstoppedtryingtogetoutofhernostrilssincesteppingoffthetrain。Likedecay，onlynotlikedecay；unbearablysweet，all-pervasive，atangiblepresencewhichneverseemedtodiminishnomatterhowhardthebreezeblew。"Whatyoucansmellismolasses，"saidAnneasshenoticedMeggie’sflaringnose；shelitatailor-madeArdathcigarette。

"It’sdisgusting。"

"Iknow。That’swhyIsmoke。Buttoacertainextentyougetusedtoit，thoughunlikemostsmellsitneverquitedisappears。Dayinanddayout，themolassesisalwaysthere。""Whatarethebuildingsontheriverwiththeblackchimney？""That’sthemill。Itprocessesthecaneintorawsugar。What’sleftover，thedryremnantsofthecaneminusitssugarcontent，iscalledbagasse。BothrawsugarandbagassearesentsouthtoSydneyforfurtherrefining。Outofrawsugartheygetmolasses，treacle，goldensyrup，brownsugar，whitesugarandliquidglucose。ThebagasseismadeintofibrousbuildingboardlikeMasonite。Nothingiswasted，absolutelynothing。That’swhyeveninthisDepressiongrowingcaneisstillaveryprofitablebusiness。"

ArneSwensonwassixfeettwoinchestall，exactlyLuke’sheight，andjustashandsome。Hisbarebodywascoatedadarkgoldenbrownbyperpetualexposuretothesun，histhatchofbrightyellowhaircurledalloverhishead；thefineSwedishfeaturesweresolikeLuke’sintypethatitwaseasytoseehowmuchNorsebloodhadpercolatedintotheveinsoftheScotsandIrish。

Lukehadabandonedhismoleskinsandwhiteshirtinfavorofshorts。WithArneheclimbedintoanancient，wheezingmodel-TutilitytruckandheadedforwherethegangwascuttingoutbyGoondi。Thesecondhandbicyclehehadboughtlayintheutility’strayalongwithhiscase，andhewasdyingtobeginwork。

Theothermenhadbeencuttingsincedawnanddidn’tlifttheirheadswhenArneappearedfromthedirectionofthebarracks，Lukeintow。Thecuttinguniformconsistedofshorts，bootswiththickwoolensocks，andcanvashats。Eyesnarrowing，Lukestaredatthetoilingmen，whowereapeculiarsight。Coal-blackdirtcoveredthemfromheadtofoot，withsweatmakingbrightpinkstreaksdownchests，arms，backs。

"Sootandmuckfromthecane，"Arneexplained。"Wehavetoburnitbeforewecancutit。"

Hebentdowntopickuptwoinstruments，gaveonetoLukeandkeptone。"Thisisacaneknife，"hesaid，heftinghis。"Withthisyoucutthecane。Veryeasyifyouknowhow。"Hegrinned，proceedingtodemonstrateandmakingitlookfareasierthanitprobablywas。

Lukelookedatthedeadlythinghegripped，whichwasnotatalllikeaWestIndianmachete。Itwidenedintoalargetriangleinsteadoftaperingtoapoint，andhadawickedhooklikearooster’sspuratoneofthetwobladeends。

"AmacheteistoosmallforNorthQueenslandcane，"Arnesaid，finishedhisdemonstration。"Thisistherighttoy，you’llfind。Keepitsharp，andgoodluck。"

Offhewenttohisownsection，leavingLukestandingundecidedforamoment。Then，shrugging，hestartedwork。Withinminutesheunderstoodwhytheyleftittoslavesandtoracesnotsophisticatedenoughtoknowtherewereeasierwaystomakealiving；likeshearing，hethoughtwithwryhumor。Bend，hack，straighten，clutchtheunwieldytop-heavybunchsecurely，slideitslengththroughthehands，whackofftheleaves，dropitinatidyheap，gotothenextclusterof-stems，bend，hack，straighten，hack，addittotheheap……

Thecanewasalivewithvermin:rats，bandicoots，cockroaches，toads，spiders，snakes，wasps，fliesandbees。Everythingthatcouldbiteviciouslyorstingunbearablywaswellrepresented。Forthatreasonthecuttersburnedthecanefirst，preferringthefilthofworkingcharredcropstothedepredationsofgreen，livingcane。Evensotheywerestung，bittenandcut。Ifithadn’tbeenforthebootsLuke’sfeetwouldhavebeenworseoffthanhishands，butnocuttereverworegloves。Theyslowedamandown，andtimewasmoneyinthisgame。Besides，glovesweresissy。AtsundownArnecalledahalt，andcametoseehowLukehadfared。

"Hey，matenotbad！"heshouted，thumpingLukeontheback。"Fivetons；notbadforafirstday！"

Itwasnotalongwalkbacktothebarracks，buttropicalnightfellsosuddenlyitwasdarkastheyarrived。Beforegoinginsidetheycollectednakedinacommunalshower，then，towelsaroundtheirwaists，theytroopedintothebarracks，wherewhichevercutteroncookdutythatweekhadmountainsofwhateverwashisspecialtyreadyonthetable。Todayitwassteakandpotatoes，damperbreadandjamroly-poly；themenfellonitandwolfedeverylastparticledown，ravenous。

Tworowsofironpalletsfacedeachotherdowneithersideofalongroommadeofcorrugatediron；sighingandcursingthecanewithanoriginalityabullockymighthaveenvied，themenfloppednakedontopofunbleachedsheets，drewtheirmosquitonetsdownfromtheringsandwithinmomentswereasleep，vagueshapesundergauzytents。

ArnedetainedLuke。"Letmeseeyourhands。"Heinspectedthebleedingcuts，theblisters，thestings。"Bluebagthemfirst，thenusethisointment。Andifyoutakemyadviceyou’llrubcoconutoilintothemeverynightofyourlife。You’vegotbighands，soifyourbackcantakeityou’llmakeagoodcutter。Inaweekyou’llharden，youwon’tbesosore。"

EverymuscleinLuke’ssplendidbodyhaditsownseparateache；hewasconscious。ofnothingbutavast，crucifyingpain。Handswrappedandanointed，hestretchedhimselfonhisallottedbed，pulleddownhismosquitonetandclosedhiseyesonaworldoflittlesuffocatingholes。HadhedreamedwhathewasinforhewouldneverhavewastedhisessenceonMeggie；shehadbecomeawithered，unwantedandunwelcomeideainthebackofhismind，shelved。Heknewhewouldneverhaveanythingforherwhilehecutthecane。Ittookhimthepredictedweektoharden，andattaintheeight-ton-a-dayminimumArnedemandedofhisgangmembers。ThenhesettleddowntobecomingbetterthanArne。Hewantedthebiggestshareofthemoney，maybeapartnership。ButmostofallhewantedtoseethatsamelookthatcameintoeveryfaceforArnedirectedathimself；Arnewassomethingofagod，forhewasthebestcutterinQueensland，andthatprobablymeanthewasthebestmeatcutterintheworld。WhentheywentintoatownonSaturdaynightthelocalmencouldn’tbuyArneenoughrumsandbeers，andthelocalwomenwhirredabouthimlikehummingbirds。ThereweremanysimilaritiesbetweenArneandLuke。Theywerebothvainandenjoyedevokingintensefemaleadmiration，butadmirationwasasfarasitwent。Theyhadnothingtogivetowomen；theygaveitalltothecane。

ForLuketheworkhadabeautyandapainheseemedtohavebeenwaitingallhislifetofeel。Tobendandstraightenandbendinthatritualrhythmwastoparticipateinsomemysterybeyondthescopeofordinarymen。For，aswatchingArnetaughthim，todothissuperblywastobeatopmemberofthemostelitebandofworkingmenintheworld；hecouldbearhimselfwithpridenomatterwherehewas，knowingthatalmosteverymanhemetwouldneverlastadayinacanefield。TheKingofEnglandwasnobetterthanhe，andtheKingofEnglandwouldadmirehimifheknewhim。Hecouldlookwithpityandcontemptondoctors，lawyers，pen-pushers，cockies。Tocutsugarthemoney-hungrywhiteman’sway-thatwasthegreatestachievement。Hewouldsitontheedgeofhiscotfeelingtheribbed，cordedmusclesofhisarmswell，lookatthehorny，scarredpalmsofhishands，thetannedlengthofhisbeautifullystructuredlegs，andsmile。Amanwhocoulddothisandnotonlysurvivebutlikeitwasaman。HewonderediftheKingofEnglandcouldsayasmuch。

ItwasfourweeksbeforeMeggiesawLuke。EachSundayshepowderedherstickynose，putonaprettysilkdress-thoughshegaveupthepurgatoryofslipsandstockings-andwaitedforherhusband，whonevercame。AnneandLuddieMuellersaidnothing，justwatchedheranimationfadeaseachSundaydarkeneddramatically，likeacurtainfallingonabrilliantlylit，emptystage。Itwasn’tthatshewantedhim，precisely；itwasjustthathewashers，orshewashis，orhoweverbestitmightbedescribed。Toimaginethathedidn’teventhinkofherwhileshepassedherdaysandweekswaitingwithhiminherthoughtsallthetime，toimaginethatwastobefilledwithrage，frustration，bitterness，humiliation，sorrow。MuchasshehadloathedthosetwonightsattheDunnypub，atleastthenshehadcomefirstwithhim；nowshefoundherselfactuallywishingshehadbittenoffhertonguesoonerthancriedoutinpain。Thatwasit，ofcourse。Hersufferinghadmadehimtireofher，ruinedhisownpleasure。Fromangerathim，athisindifferencetoherpain，shepassedtoremorse，andendedinblamingitallonherself。ThefourthSundayshedidn’tbotherdressingup，justpaddedaroundthekitchenbare-footedinshortsandvest，gettingahotbreakfastforLuddieandAnne，whoenjoyedthisincongruityonceaweek。Atthesoundoffootstepsonthebackstairssheturnedfrombaconsizzlinginthepan；foramomentshesimplystaredatthebig，hairyfellowinthedoorway。Luke？WasthisLuke？Heseemedmadeofrock，inhuman。Buttheeffigycrossedthekitchen，gaveherasmackingkissandsatdownatthetable。Shebrokeeggsintothepanandputonmorebacon。

AnneMuellercamein，smiledcivillyandinwardlyfumedathim。Wretchedman，whatwasheabout，toleavehisnewwifeneglectedforsolong？"I’mgladtoseeyou’verememberedyouhaveawife，"shesaid。"Comeoutontotheveranda，sitwithLuddieandmeandwe’llallhavebreakfast。Luke，helpMeggiecarrythebaconandeggs。Icanmanagethetoastrackinmyteeth。"

LudwigMuellerwasAustralian-born，buthisGermanheritagewasclearlyonhim:thebeefyredcomplexionnotabletocopewithbeerandsuncombined，thesquaregreyhead，thepale-blueBalticeyes。HeandhiswifelikedMeggieverymuch，andcountedthemselvesfortunatetohaveacquiredherservices。EspeciallywasLuddiegrateful，seeinghowmuchhappierAnnewassincethatgoldyheadhadbeenglowingaroundthehouse。

"How’sthecutting，Luke？"heasked，shovelingeggsandbaconontohisplate。

"IfIsaidIlikedit，wouldyoubelieveme？"Lukelaughed，heapinghisownplate。

Luddie’sshrewdeyesrestedonthehandsomeface，andhenodded。"Oh，yes。You’vegottherightsortoftemperamentandtherightsortofbody，Ithink。Itmakesyoufeelbetterthanothermen，superiortothem。"Caughtinhisheritageofcanefields，farfromacademiaandwithnochanceofexchangingonefortheother，Luddiewasanardentstudentofhumannature；hereadgreatfattomesboundinMoroccoleatherwithnamesontheirspineslikeFreudandJung，HuxleyandRussell。

"IwasbeginningtothinkyouwerenevergoingtocomeandseeMeggie，"Annesaid，spreadinggheeonhertoastwithabrush；itwastheonlywaytheycouldhavebutteruphere，butitwasbetterthannone。"Well，ArneandIdecidedtoworkonSundaysforawhile。Tomorrowwe’reofftoIngham。"

"WhichmeanspoorMeggiewon’tseeyoutoooften。"

"Megunderstands。Itwon’tbeformorethanacoupleofyears，andwedohavethesummerlayoff。ArnesayshecangetmeworkattheCSRinSydneythen，andImighttakeMegwithme。"

"Whydoyouhavetoworksohard，Luke？"askedAnne。"Gottogetthemoneytogetherformypropertyoutwest，aroundKynuna。Didn’tMegmentionit？"

"I’mafraidourMeggie’snotmuchgoodatpersonaltalk。Youtellus，Luke。"

Thethreelistenerssatwatchingtheplayofexpressiononthetanned，strongface，theglitterofthoseveryblueeyes；sincehehadcomebeforebreakfastMeggiehadn’tutteredawordtoanyone。OnandonhetalkedaboutthemarvelouscountryBackofBeyond；thegrass，thebiggreybrolgabirdsmincingdelicatelyinthedustofKynuna’sonlyroad，thethousandsuponthousandsofflyingkangaroos，thehotdrysun。"Andonedaysoonabigchunkofallthatisgoingtobemine。Meg’sputabitofmoneytowardit，andatthepacewe’reworkingitwon’ttakemorethanfourorfiveyears。Sooner，ifIwascontenttohaveapoorerplace，butknowingwhatIcanearncuttingsugar，I’mtemptedtocutabitlongerandgetareallydecentbitofland。"Heleanedforward，bigscarredhandsaroundhisteacup。"DoyouknowInearlypassedAme’stallytheotherday？EleventonsIcutinoneday！"

Luddie’swhistlewasgenuinelyadmiring，andtheyembarkeduponadiscussionoftallies。Meggiesippedherstrongdarkmilklesstea。Oh，Luke！Firstithadbeenacoupleofyears，nowitwasfourorfive，andwhoknewhowlongitwouldbethenexttimehementionedaperiodofyears？Lukelovedit，noonecouldmistakethat。Sowouldhegiveitupwhenthetimecame？Wouldhe？Forthatmatter，didshewanttowaitaroundtofindout？TheMuellerswereverykindandshewasfarfromoverworked，butifshehadtolivewithoutahusband，Droghedawasthebestplace。InthemonthofherstayatHimmelhochshehadn’tfeltreallywellforonesingleday；shedidn’twanttoeat，shesufferedboutsofpainfuldiarrhea，sheseemeddoggedbylethargyandcouldn’tshakeitoff。Notusedtofeelinganythingbuttiptopwell，thevaguemalaisefrightenedher。

AfterbreakfastLukehelpedherwashthedishes，thentookherforawalkdowntothenearestcanefield，talkingallthetimeaboutthesugarandwhatitwasliketocutit，whatabeautlifeitwasoutintheopenair，whatabeautlotofblokestheywereinAme’sgang，howdifferentitwasfromshearing，andhowmuchbetter。

Theyturnedandwalkedupthehillagain；Lukeledherintotheexquisitelycoolcavernunderthehouse，betweenthepiles。Annehadmadeaconservatoryoutofit，stoodpiecesofterra-cottapipeofdifferinglengthsandgirthsupright，thenfilledthemwithsoilandplantedtrailing，danglingthingsinthem；orchidsofeverykindandcolor，ferns，exoticcreepersandbushes。Thegroundwassoftandredolentofwoodchips；greatwirebasketshungfromthejoistsoverhead，fulloffernsororchidsortuberoses；staghornsinbarknestsgrewonthepiles；magnificentbegoniasindozensofbrilliantcolorshadbeenplantedaroundthebasesofthepipes。ItwasMeggie’sfavoriteretreat，theonethingofHimmelhoch’sshepreferredtoanythingofDrogheda’s。ForDroghedacouldneverhopetogrowsomuchononesmallspot；therejustwasn’tenoughmoistureintheair。

"Isn’tthislovely，Luke？Doyouthinkperhapsafteracoupleofyearsupherewemightbeabletorentahouseformetolivein？I’mdyingtotrysomethinglikethisformyself。"

"Whatonearthdoyouwanttolivealoneinahousefor？Thisisn’tGilly，Meg；it’sthesortofplacewhereawomanonherownisn’tsafe。You’remuchbetteroffhere，believeme。Aren’tyouhappyhere？""I’mashappyasonecanbeinsomeoneelse’shome。"

"Look，Meg，you’vejustgottobecontentwithwhatyouhavenowuntilwemoveoutwest。Wecan’tspendmoneyrentinghousesandhavingyoulivealifeofleisureandstillsave。Doyouhearme？"

"Yes，Luke。"

Hewassoupsethedidn’tdowhathehadintendedtodowhenheledherunderthehouse，namelykissher。Insteadhegaveheracasualsmackonthebottomwhichhurtalittletoomuchtobecasual，andsetoffdowntheroadtothespotwherehehadlefthisbikeproppedagainstatree。Hehadpedaledtwentymilestoseeherratherthanspendmoneyonarailmotorandabus，whichmeanthehadtopedaltwentymilesback。

"Thepoorlittlesoul！"saidAnnetoLuddie。"Icouldkillhim！"

Januarycameandwent，theslackestmonthoftheyearforcanecutters，buttherewasnosignofLuke。HehadmurmuredabouttakingMeggietoSydney，butinsteadhewenttoSydneywithArneandwithouther。ArnewasabachelorandhadanauntwithahouseinRozelle，withinwalkingdistance(notramfares；savemoney)oftheCSR，theColonialSugarRefineries。Withinthosegargantuanconcretewallslikeafortressonahill，acutterwithconnectionscouldgetwork。LukeandArnekeptintrimstackingsugarbags，andswimmingorsurfingintheirsparetime。

LeftinDungloewiththeMuellers，MeggiesweatedherwaythroughTheWet，asthemonsoonseasonwascalled。TheDrylastedfromMarchtoNovemberandinthispartofthecontinentwasn’texactlydry，butcomparedtoTheWetitwasheavenly。DuringTheWettheskiesjustopenedandvomitedwater，notalldaybutinfitsandstarts；inbetweendelugesthelandsteamed，greatcloudsofwhitevaporrisingfromthecane，thesoil，thejungle，themountains。

AndastimewentonMeggielongedforhomemoreandmore。NorthQueensland，sheknewnow，couldneverbecomehometoher。Foronething，theclimatedidn’tsuither，perhapsbecauseshehadspentmostofherlifeindryness。And，shehatedtheloneliness，theunfriendliness，thefeelingofremorselesslethargy。Shehatedtheprolificinsectandreptilelifewhichmadeeachnightanordealofgianttoads，tarantulas，cockroaches，rats；nothingseemedtokeepthemoutofthehouse，andshewasterrifiedofthem。Theyweresohuge，soaggressive，sohungry。Mostofallshehatedthedunny，whichwasnotonlythelocalpatoisfortoiletbutthediminutiveforDungloe，muchtothedelightofthelocalpopulace，whopunnedonitperpetually。ButaDunnydunnyleftone’sstomachchurninginrevolt，forinthisseethingclimateholesinthegroundwereoutofthequestionbecauseoftyphoidandotherentericfevers。Insteadofbeingaholeintheground，aDunnydunnywasatarredtincanwhichstank，andasitfilledcamealivewithnoisomemaggotsandworms。Onceaweekthecanwasremovedandreplacedwithanemptyone，butonceaweekwasn’tsoonenough。

Meggie’swholespiritrebelledagainstthecasuallocalacceptanceofsuchthingsasnormal；alifetimeinNorthQueenslandcouldn’treconcilehertothem。Yetdismallyshereflectedthatitprobablywouldbeawholelifetime，oratleastuntilLukewastoooldtocutthesugar。MuchasshelongedforanddreamedofDrogheda，shewasfartooproudtoadmittoherfamilythatherhusbandneglectedher；soonerthanadmitthat，she’dtakethelifetimesentence，shetoldherselffiercely。

Monthswentby，thenayear，andtimecrepttowardthesecondyear’send。OnlytheconstantkindnessoftheMuellerskeptMeggieinresidenceatHimmelhoch，tryingtoresolveherdilemma。HadshewrittentoaskBobforthefarehomehewouldhavesentitbyreturntelegram，butpoorMeggiecouldn’tfacetellingherfamilythatLukekeptherwithoutapennyinherpurse。ThedayshedidtellthemwasthedayshewouldleaveLuke，nevertogobacktohim，andshehadn’tmadeuphermindyettotakesuchastep。EverythinginherupbringingconspiredtopreventherleavingLuke:thesacrednessofhermarriagevows，thehopeshemighthaveababyoneday，thepositionLukeoccupiedashusbandandmasterofherdestiny。Thentherewerethethingswhichsprangfromherownnature:thatstubborn，stiff-neckedpride，andthenigglingconvictionthatthesituationwasasmuchherfaultasLuke’s。Iftherewasn’tsomethingwrongwithher，Lukemighthavebehavedfardifferently。Shehadseenhimsixtimesintheeighteenmonthsofherexile，andoftenthought，quiteunawaresuchathingashomosexualityexisted，thatbyrightsLukeshouldhavemarriedArne，becausehecertainlylivedwithArneandmuchpreferredhiscompany。Theyhadgoneintofullpartnershipanddriftedupanddownthethousand-milecoastfollowingthesugarharvest，living，itseemed，onlytowork。WhenLukedidcometoseeherhedidn’tattemptanykindofintimacy，justsataroundforanhourortwoyarningtoLuddieandAnne，tookhiswifeforawalk，gaveherafriendlykiss，andwasoffagain。Thethreeofthem，Luddie，AnneandMeggie，spentalltheirsparetimereading。HimmelhochhadalibraryfarlargerthanDrogheda’sfewshelves，moreeruditeandmoresalaciousbyfar，andMeggielearnedagreatdealwhilesheread。