Up the Country: A Saga of Pioneering Days

The crossing was comparatively easy this time, and the young men soon walked nonchalantly into the dining room of the Big House, making little of their exploit of Sunday. Mr Mazere was so happy to have confirmed the fact of his wife's safety, and that she would be returning soon, that he ordered a little dancing; Bill Prendergast performed on the accordion and the master himself made very good music on the flute. Bert had the opportunity of polkaing to his heart's content with Rachel, who now laughed merrily about the trick he had played on her on that other occasion when there was dancing. Emily also had the joyful experience of dancing with Bert, who was inspiring in her the passion of her life. Yet she entered Bert's consciousness merely as the younger sister of Rachel, whose wedding with his neighbour Labosseer was only postponed.

Tim Brennan, however, regarded Emily differently; for him she was a grown woman who would have to wait at least two years more before her mother would consent to her taking on the responsibilities of a wife and mother.