An Outback Marriage · Chapters

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Chapter companions for An Outback Marriage by Banjo Paterson.

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Chapter 1
I: In the Club
The chapter opens in the Cassowary Club in Sydney on a humid summer evening. The Bo'sun, Pinnock, and Gillespie discuss a telegram from W. G. Grant asking the Bo'sun to entertain a new chum, Carew. They share stories about Grant's harsh character and history, including his partnership with old Gordon and his ruthless business dealings. Carew arrives, appearing as a well-groomed young man rather than the fierce figure they expected. The chapter ends with them moving to dinner.
Chapter 2
A Dinner for Five
At the Cassowary Club, the Bo'sun hosts a dinner for Grant, Gordon, Carew, and Pinnock. Gordon explains his upcoming trip to 'No Man's Land' to take over a station for his boss Grant, who advanced money on a dubious cattle muster. Carew reveals he is searching for a man named Patrick Henry Considine, a potential heir to a fortune. Gordon jokingly offers to arrange Considine's death, and the party agrees that Carew will accompany Gordon on his journey.
Chapter 3
In Push Society
After a dinner, Hugh Gordon and Mr. Carew decide to visit a larrikin dancing saloon in Sydney for entertainment. Despite warnings from the Bo'sun about the dangerous nature of the larrikins, they go. At the saloon, Carew asks a girl to dance, provoking her partner, Nugget, and a brawl erupts. The lights are turned out, and Carew is thrown down the stairs, followed by Gordon. They are locked out, hooted at, and drenched with water before escaping in a cab.
Chapter 4
IV: The Old Station
This chapter describes the history and character of Kuryong station, a hill-country property of about sixty thousand acres. It contrasts the rough early days under Andrew Gordon with the improvements made by Bully Grant, who bought into the station and eventually took over. The chapter details the impact of the 1861 Land Act, which brought free selectors—chiefly the Doyle and Donohoe families—into the area, leading to conflict over land and livestock. It also portrays the seasonal beauty of the mountain country and introduces the current homestead, home to Mrs. Gordon, Hugh Gordon, and the children under the care of governess Miss Harriott.
Chapter 5
V: The Coming of the Heiress
Spring arrives at Kuryong, bringing life and activity. Hugh Gordon receives a letter from Mr. Grant announcing that his daughter Mary is coming from England to live at the station. Hugh plans to meet her at the railway, but the mail was delayed by a flooded river. Hugh's mother and Miss Harriott prepare for her arrival, while Hugh reflects on the past and the family's history.

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I: In the Club

A Dinner for Five

In Push Society

IV: The Old Station

V: The Coming of the Heiress