Cirrus@Austlit

Two bachelors in their landlady's drawing room in Victoria share a Valentine's day reminiscence. Three attempts at verse writing are included in this tale of youthful romance. (PB).

A German rents a house in Granville, France, for life - only to discover that the three previous tennants had all died mysteriously ... Competent though uninspiring. (PB).

A short Toorak doctor assists a deserted wife to care for her injured dissipated husband who returns secretly to her after being wounded in a burglary. His fiancee breaks off their engagement but the 'little doctor' finds true love after much waiting ... Pleasantly told Melbourne romance. (PB).

Domestic happiness of a rich Victorian squatter and his wife is broken when an acquaintance from her youth in England appears at their station and attempts to blackmail her over her first husband's death. Her name is eventually cleared when the blackmailer produces an aged letter on his deathbed ... Generally well written romance with some melodrama and good evocation of the heat of an Australian summer. Pace speeds up, losing some control of tone as the story proceeds. (PB).

Dramatised narrative of the murder of one of Cosmo de Medici's sons by another, and the duke's punishment of the crime. Set in 16th century Florence.

A moonlight excursion to impound two wandering cows in a country village fosters a romance between the local clergyman and the young narrator. Lively sketch with a pleasant touch of irony. (PB).

A wealthy merchant's tale of his rise from a labourer's position through hard work. (PB).

On a farm near the Lodden River, Victoria, the arrival of a beautiful new farm girl causes tragedy when she wins the hearts of two young men and the hatred of the other, ugly, farm-girl. A visiting detective, Bowring, helps solve the murder. (PB)

Narrated to his family in Melbourne, a well-to-do blacksmith recalls his youth in Scotland - and an encounter in a graveyard one night as he returend from courting a farmer's daughter. Lunacy rather than the supernatural explains the apparition. Scottish tale with Australian dressing. (PB).

Slight romance set in Windsor mansion on the banks of the Thames; a new gardener's assistant is ultimately revealed to be a beautiful but poverty-stricken girl in boy's disguise. (PB).

Amusing account of a summer commuter's undignified attempt to catch his early morning train. (PB).

Anecdote of a wedding anniversary party marked by gifts of 212 flat irons. (PB).

Description of Mr Sothern putting on his stage make-up as Lord Dundreary, and his defence of the Prince of Wales' character. Brief.