The Victorian squatter, handsome, generous Ned Dalton, loses his wealth and his fiancee when his Arab hunter falls on him during a steeplechase and loses the race. With fortunes restored in Europe he returns seven years later with his faithful groom to the outback. He finds his former love married to a poor French, disinherited by her father, and returns quickly to Europe, scornful yet loving her still. Well told, with strong descriptions of the Melbourne Hunt Club environment, etc. Dalton's adventures in Europe are rather romanticised. Includes a defence of Australian/colonial life against the quick judgements of visitors such as Trollope. (PB)