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object went it accomplished nothing, for it arrived only in time to see the war abandoned. If in its higher aspect, as an exhibition of the affectionate feeling of the Australians to the mother-country, it continues to be remembered and appreciated in England, it has accomplished an end in comparison with which the war was nothing, and it may prove the seed of innumerable benefits. If, on the other hand, there comes of it only polite words of meaningless applause, and then oblivion, Mr. Dailey’s patriotism will have spent itself in vain.
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CHAPTER XII.
Visit to Moss Vale.—Lord Augustus Loftus.—Position of a Governor in New South Wales.—Lady Augustus.—Chinese Servants.—English Newspapers.— Dinner-party Conversations.—A brave and true Bishop.—Sydney Harbour once more.—Conversation with Mr. Dailey on Imperial Federation.—Objections to proposed Schemes.—The Navy.—The English Flag.
Late hours, fine cookery, and agreeable society are very pleasant, but less wholesome than one could wish them to be. The town became insufferably hot. My mosquito-bites refused to heal, and some change was desirable. The Governor, who had already asked me to visit him in his highland quarters, graciously renewed his invitation. His aide-de-camp assured me that it was meant in earnest, and that Lord Augustus Loftus would be disappointed if we left the country without seeing him, so we agreed to go.
Moss Vale, the summer residence of the Governor of New South Wales, is a hundred miles from Sydney. Why it is called Vale I do not know, for it stands on the brow of an eminence two thousand feet above the sea. It corresponds to Mount Macedon in Victoria, save that, instead of being in the midst of forests, it is surrounded with rolling grassy uplands, thickly sprinkled with trees, sheep, and cattle-farms, See., and long ago taken up and appropriated. The house has been lately purchased by the colony for the Governor’s use. It is small, considering the dignity of its destination, and is unfinished within and without. Like all other country places in Australia, it is well protected by plantations. Pines and fruit- rees grow with great rapidity, and when an Australian means
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