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of the gov. & party together with a lot more at 10.30. The train went straight through. The
carriage we were in was lovely. All plush cushioned & so comfortable. And I{underlined] was in
the presence of his Majesty[underlined] & didn't know it. I asked Flore. Gibson beside me who was the gent.
in grey clothes with a white rose in his coat sitting nearly opposite & she misunderstood me
& said I don't know. What was my surprise on reaching Bingera to find Mr G. introducing
him to Mr Markin as His Excellency. He is not a bit like his photo - that made him dark
& he is a fair man. However Mrs. G. was as bad as I. She didn't know it was he either. I
might have said all sorts of things. I went straight home & found a young cousin there. Bob
Gillies from Brisbane come up for a holiday. All the others staid[sic] down there & entertained
the Gov. for a couple of hours & then nearly all went back to town with him. I need not have
come up either for Mrs. John doesn't want her children to have any school this week any
more than the school children so I'll go home to-morrow morning. Went over to Mrs. John's
with Mrs. Wilde & spent the afternoon. Mrs. McGhie comes back to-night with Mr. & Miss G.
28th Friday. Started home this morning after giving the girls music lessons. Gave
them a fright just at dinner. Had to wait for the train so did not get in till late.
We went up to S.B. in the afternoon. Called at Ellison's on the way to see if Mr. E
could take me home on Sunday but as he was waiting to take his father-in-law : he
couldn't. Shall have to go by train now to-morrow. Called at Young's too & she invited
us to come back for tea which we did Edie & I after we had been to Hussey's to try
on my blouses. Got home about 9.30.
29th. Saturday. Enjoyed myself till train-time. Mr. John G. was coming up & he
would insist on paying my fare & nothing loth I let him. Got back at 1/2-4. The
S.S. treat was being held at the Hall. I had a pain & couldn't enjoy it much.
W. G. went down to town & bought Miss Hupart & with Miss McG. up. We had a musical
evening. They are a lively pair. He is certainly much smitten. Feel homesick again
30th. Sunday. Church this morning. Went to bed this afternoon. Feel homesick again
31st. Monday. School.
1st. September Tuesday. School. All the folks went driving. We all went over to the
Mill after tea to-night & had the greatest fun out. Coming home we were like a
pack of larrikins. Miss S. is awful. The two are a funny pair. I think he worships her
but apparently she doesn't care a pin for him but I think she hides her feelings
2nd. Wednesday. Off school early this afternoon. We had an "evening" here as the
"girls" are going away in the morning. Music singing &c. very nice. Were to have a dance
only man wasn't well. Shall miss those 2. they are nice.
3rd. Thursday. They went off early this morning : the two[underlined] had an early walk this
morning so things must be pretty square between them. The house feels quite quiet
without them. We three sat out in the side verandah next the river all evening after tea.
I like young Gillies. He seems a nice sensible sort.
4th. Friday. Thank goodness another week is over. Feel quite a relief. Mr & Mrs. G. went to
Watana this afternoon & the three young folks had to keep house. Two gentlemen visitors
arrive viz. a Mr. Thorn & Revd. Lake from S.A. they are to stay over Sunday eve were
wishing no visitors would come while we were just to ourselves but we managed to
entertain them in the drawing room somehow after they had tea. They are both
married men old enough to be our fathers. We Bob & I had our fortunes told to-
night. Mine was remarkable ~ It was so striking that Mary asked if I were
engaged ~ A fair[underlined] man was very fond of me but I was to stick to him in spite of
the difficulties with which we were surrounded & all would be right in the end