AustLit

Romance renewed on the Melbourne up-country train and strengthened during Doris Erle's sojourn as lady's companion at a rough squatter's house. Dr Ross practises in the township while Miss Earle civilises the household, nursing the invalid mother and taming the rebellious son and daughter. Only rough occasionally drunken Joshua Rae resists her influence, and when his wife dies he even threatens to attack her ... A Chinese cook, cattle hands etc, complete the tale. 'Civilising' includes instituting a private Sunday night prayer service as well as reforming the daughter's dress, manners etc and cleaning and refurbishing the house. Well written with only occasional lapses into the customary narrative conventions of the time. ("Southern Cross" improving.) (PB)