My Brilliant Career Miles Franklin (best mobile ebook reader txt) š
- Author: Miles Franklin
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We started at nine oāclock. Grannie and uncle Boss sat in the front seat of the buggy, and aunt Helen and I occupied the back. Uncle always drove at a good round gallop. His idea was to have good horses, not donkeys, and not to spare them, as there were plenty more to be had any day. On this morning he went off at his usual pace. Grannie urged as remonstrance that the dust was fearful when going at that rate. I clapped my hands and exclaimed, āGo it, Mr. Bossier! Well done, uncle Jay-Jay! Hurrah for Clancy!ā
Uncle first said he was glad to see I had the spirit of an Australian, and then threatened to put my nose above my chin if I failed to behave properly. Grannie remarked that I might have the spirit of an Australian, but I had by no means the manners of a lady; while aunt Helen ventured a wish that I might expend all my superfluous spirits on the way, so that I would be enabled to deport myself with a little decorum when arrived at the racecourse.
We went at a great pace; lizards and goannas scampered out of the way in dozens, and, clambering trees, eyed us unblinkingly as we passed. Did we see a person or vehicle a tiny speck ahead of usā āin a short time they were as far away in the background.
āPlease, uncle, let me drive,ā I requested.
āCouldnāt now. Your grannie canāt sit in the backseatā āneither could Iā āand look like a tame cockatoo while you sat in front. You ask Harry to let you drive him. I bet heāll consent; heās sure to be in a sulky with a spare seat on spec. Weāre sure to overtake him in a few minutes.ā
There was a vehicle in the distance which proved to be from Five-Bob Downs, but as we overhauled it, it was the drag, and not a sulky. Harold occupied the driverās seat, and the other occupants were all ladies. I noticed the one beside him was wearing a very big hat, all ruffles, flowers, and plumes.
āShall I pull up and get you a seat?ā inquired uncle Jay-Jay.
āNo, no, no.ā
The boss of Five-Bob drew to his side of the road, and when we had passed uncle began to tease:
āGot fainthearted, did you? The flower-garden on that womanās hat corked your chances altogether. Never mind, donāt you funk; Iāll see that you have a fair show. Iāll get you a regular cartwheel next time I go to town, and weāll trim it up with some of old Barneyās tail. If that wonāt fetch him, Iām sure nothing will.ā
Before we got to the racecourse Barney went lame through getting a stone in his hoof; this caused a delay which enabled the Five-Bob trap to catch us, and we pulled rein a little distance apart at the same time, to alight.
Mr. Beechamās groom went to his horsesā heads while Harold himself assisted his carriageful of ladies to set foot on the ground. Aunt Helen and grannie went to talk to them, but I stayed with uncle Jay-Jay while he took the horses out. Somehow I was feeling very disappointed. I had expected Harold Beecham to be alone. He had attended on me so absolutely everywhere I had met him lately, that I had unconsciously grown to look upon him as mine exclusively; and now, seeing he would belong to his own party of ladies for the day, things promised to be somewhat flat without him.
āI told that devil of a Joe to be sure and turn up as soon as I arrived. I wanted him to water the horses, but I canāt see him anywhereā āthe infernal, crawling, doosed idiot!ā ejaculated uncle Julius.
āNever mind, uncle, let him have his holiday. I suppose heād like to have time to spoon with his girl. I can easily water the horses.ā
āThat would suit Joe, I have no doubt; but I donāt pay him to let you water the horses. Iāll water āem myself.ā
He led one animal, I took the other, and we went in the direction of water a few hundred yards away.
āYou run along to your grannie and the rest of them, and Iāll go by myself,ā said uncle, but I kept on with the horse.
āYou mustnāt let a five-guinea hat destroy your hopes altogether,ā he continued, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes. āIf you stick to your guns you have a better show than anyone to bag the boss of Five-Bob.ā
āI am at a loss to interpret your innuendo, Mr. Bossier,ā I said stiffly.
āNow, little woman, you think you are very smart, but you canāt deceive me. Iāve seen the game you and Harry have been up to this last month. If it had been any other man, I would have restricted your capers long ago.ā
āUncleā āā I began.
āNow, Sybylla, none of your crammers. There is no harm in being a bit gone on Harry. Itās only natural, and just what Iād expect. Iāve known him since he was born, and heās a good all-round fellow. His head is screwed on the right way, his heart is in the right place, and his principles are tip-top. He could give you fal-de-rals and rubbish to no end, and wouldnāt be stingy either. Youāll never get a better man. Donāt you be put out of the running so cheaply: hold your own and win, thatās my advice to you. There is nothing against him, only temperā āold Nick himself isnāt a patch on him for temper.ā
āTemper!ā I exclaimed. āHe is always so quiet and pleasant.ā
āYes, he controls it well. Heās a fellow with a will like iron, and that is what you want, as I find you have none of your own. But be careful of Harry Beecham in a temper. He is like a raging lion, and when his temper dies away is a sulking brute, which is the vilest of
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