CHAPTER XVII.

Waikato Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1851, 17 May 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

CHAPTER XVII.

Ifc was neaily eight o'clock when the carriage contain iug the party drew up in front of the Opera Hou-ae entrance, Bourkostreet. The great night artery of Melbourne was full to oyerllowiug, and the myriad sounds of a great city filled the air. The moving cftMvcta, the lighes, the rushing vehicles, rna^e a brilliant; spectacle. Tho great betting fraternity weie assembled in front of tho Opera House in moro than ordinary force, for a raca inesting was to come off the next day, and no hawk would be absent when there was the prospect of plucking a pigeon. But there wad a larger crowd than usual waiting oa each side of the dress circle entrance and a greal ciush of cairiagps, so much so that Herbert began to fear the news had gone out and that the people had assembled to have a look at him — a thing he greatly disliked. Tbe carriage had to wait tor some time before it could bo drawn to the entrance, and the little party had the opportunity to -view a scene that was unique. The moon was just rising over tho grim Pailiduient Houses on the Eastern-hill, and the glare and glamor of the gas speedily faded and looked washed out and squalid compared with the loveliness imparted by the Queen of Night. So the purer and better pleasures of this life make little and mean by contrast all that is unheaUhy aud unnatural. The Giflord paity could not be rail perceived by tiie crowds on tho pavement, who seemed to bp all intent upon a magnificent equipage which was waiting close to the entrance. Ilarberfc had never seen this carnage in Melbourne. It was something superior. Tlip coal black quivering hoi.ses, restrained with difficulty, the livoried attendants, the splendid cinia^d, all spoke of some great magnate, some pardon who had departed from th« general colouial siuxplioity. The carriage and its inmates were absolutely devoured by the multitude. Surely it must belong to the Governor. At this moment two joung gentlunen in evening dress crossed the street and came up to Herbert's carriage. They shook hands with him warmly and bowed to the ladies. 11 Whobe carnage is that ? ' queried Herbert. " Why, don't you know ? " cried one of the young men. " But you've not been in town lately, and have kept out of people's way. That is the carriage of the only man in Australui, who disputes the palm with you, and who at present divides the public attention. " What," adid Herbeit, wit'ia laugh, "you don'c mean to &ay old Tyson has set up a carriage— it will break hto heart." " No, no," replied the youth ; " it's Haivy Forbes, the son of the New South Wales millionaire, who died befoie your father, and who has just returned from Euiope, where he finished his education — in wickedness, they say. He got expelled the UniversHy or something of that kind to have his m'ng in Paris and lualy. The people are going wild over him. They say he is richer than jou, that is, will be, for he is not yet of age.'' By this time the block was relieved andthe carriage of young IVnbes had reached the entrance, with that of the Gifford paity— there behind, but in the shadow, &o that the public, occupied in looking upon tho one rich man, did not notice the other. Herbert could see that three youths stepped out of the carriage and mounted the steps in a light, fiolicsome way that badly comported with the position of their leader. In a few moments his own carriage faced the blaze of light, and he saw that the persons who had alighted from tho carriage in front were Mr. WMnstun, his son, and wife. The crowd at once made out Herbert, and there was a great sensation. Whatever iuterest had been excited in the New South Wales magnate was swept away by the view of their own, the man who had braved the moat powerful institutions of the colonies, and who would have to meet them on the fateful morrow, arrayed in all the panoply of war. As the pprty ascended the steps, a sort of cLeer arose. It would have been greater bui for the curiosity of the people to know who was the pale greyhaired lady upon Herbert's arm, and the tail, strange-looking gentleman, and beautiful golden -haired lady who came behind them. "And when they vanished in the corridors the crowd gave almost a sigh as if they were Peris at the gate of Paradise. (To br oont /'mi l'll.)