Up the Country: A Saga of Pioneering Days

Following the ball, the news of the broken engagement distracted attention from the lack of any announcement about Bert and Emily, which had seemed imminent, going by the signs. Jessie's decision was received with astonishment by the neighbours, and grief by the parents who had set their hearts on this union between Three Rivers and Gowandale.

They tried to get the young people to reconsider, but Jessie having gained the spiritual relief that was her due for her courage, was not to be persuaded. Neither was Hugh. His pride had been deeply wounded by Jessie's use of him, and he found himself strangely soothed by the tender, unselfish Louisa, ready to give all and thankfully accepting as much or as little as came her way in return. Mrs Poole was delighted by this alteration in affairs; she much preferred Hugh Mazere to Larry Healey Junior or Alick Gilbert, the alternatives that had been threatening.