AustLit

The engagement between John Channery, a bush station owner, and the poor neighbouring painted governess is not as happy. John's friend and tutor, his shepherd, tells of his own unhappy marriage, when as an English lord he married a girl who cared only for position. When his older brother reclaimed the title, she left him and took his son. The true nature of the governess is revealed by her treatment of the neighbour's crippled son and her own hidden son, who escapes when she orders his murder. She is unmasked as the shepherd's wife - and her murder frees both men to return to England - one with his son, the other to marry. (PB)