AustLit

'The slim figure of Jill Murphy became a silhouette against the brightness of the harvest day.

She came to him through the people. Fragile, but stunningly beautiful, in a black dress. Fair hair hung on her shoulders, and her eyes were huge and tragic.

Don moved forward to assist her to climb the steps, and face the gathering.

'I am sure many of you remember me,' she began, in a strong voice, with a slightly 'old school' inflection. 'I'm Jill Murphy. I am Brian Murphy's daughter.'

Everyone in the RSL hall knew that Jill Murphy, daughter of the biggest landholder in the South-East, had run away with a lawyer who worked on her father's property.

Now Brian Murphy was dead. He had been laid to rest in a private funeral in the cemetery at the end of town. Father Mahoney had chosen Don Marr, whose farm adjoined the Murphy acres, to give a Valedictory speech. There would be no bullshit from Don.

Someone gave a small, hesitant cheer, and someone clapped. Then a roar shook the rafters "Jill! Wlecome! Welcome Home!"' (Publisher's blurb)