AustLit

Gretchen, the daughter of a German mother and English father is hired to assist Mrs Chester on her husband's station in country Victoria, and to bring along her brother Karl as company for Mrs Chester's son. On arrival she discovers Mr Chester is mad with a fear of white wehr-cats and the death of his son at 15. Gretchen's firmness restores his sanity somewhat, though he and his wife die before the end of the tale. A sub-plot involves Gretchen's reunion with her lost lover Fritz and the suicide of the maid Bella as a result. References to German folk literature, werewolves, etc. (PB)