Cirrus@Austlit

Dick Allerton returns penniless to Melbourne from seeking work up-country, hoping to receive news from his rich English uncle. He runs into the former coachman of the Raby's,a rich merchant of Brighton and his daughter Lucy whom Tom had loved but been refused because of his poverty. Mr Raby has been ruined through chicanery and his coachman Tom Noble has brought the bill of sale over Raby's furniture to prevent its loss. Allerton agrees to enter the house as a bailiff over Christmas - to give Hood grace time - but is recognised first by Tom's wife Martha, the cook, then by Mr Raby and Lucy when he is discovered reading letters addressed to himself and kept there. Lucy loves him, his letter contains news of a comfortable inheritance, etc. Twins finish the picture years later. (PB)