AustLit

A shipwreck on New Year's Eve off the Australian south coast brings two boatloads of survivors to the town of Westbrook, and Clarence Desmond a stranger, to the house of the Maudesleys. Mrs M. had known Mr Desmond in earlier years, and so had the young doctor whose lover he had seduced. Desmond is informed of the death of this latter lady in the shipwreck, meets a former sweetheart in a shepherd's cottage on the Maudesley station, and returns to Melbourne promising to fetch her there. In Melbourne he meets Mrs Maudesley's step-daughter Louisa who falls in love with him and whom he encourages. Returning to the country for Janet, Desmond is accused then cleared of the shooting of Mr Maudesley. The following adventures include a near marriage to Louisa prevented only by the appearance of Desmond's wife, an explosion on a steamer and presumed drownings, measles, murder and attempted suicide, leading to the final denouement and several marriages and reunions. (PB)