AustLit

'Phillip Masters is a resident engineer in charge of the construction of a railway from Thandara to Windoona, Queensland. He becomes acquainted with Helen James, daughter of Professor Hubert James, ornithologist, the tenant of Yonga Park whilst she is sketching a kingfisher. Angela, the daughter of Mike Hodson, sleeper-cutter, and Clem, his step-daughter, appear upon the scene. Later, at the tents they occupy, Joe Pratt asks Clem to marry him, and he is told that he is 'too late.' Helen, much impressed by the beauty and refinement of Clem, desires to paint her portrait. Mike Hodson consents, provided that he is paid for every sitting of his step-daughter. Meanwhile, Arthur James, Helen's brother, who has returned from the war, is leading a dissolute life in Melbourne, and has told his pal Forsyth that 'the old man kicked me out and cut off my allowance.' He becomes intimate with the wealthy Hetherton family.' (From author's Synopsis p569, 1 August 1924.)