Gavan Blake

Maggie Donohoe

Gavan Blake is romantically involved with Maggie Donohoe, with tension arising from her family's rough background.

Old Man Grant

Gavan Blake works as a manager or overseer for Old Man Grant's station, with a professional but often strained dynamic.

Ellen Harriott

Ellen Harriott is a refined Englishwoman who becomes a romantic interest for Gavan Blake, creating a love triangle.

Hugh Gordon

Gavan Blake and Hugh Gordon are friends and allies, often working together on station matters.

Red Mick Donohoe

Gavan Blake and Red Mick Donohoe are antagonists, with Red Mick opposing Blake's involvement with his daughter Maggie.

Old Man Grant

Gavan Blake works as a manager or overseer for Old Man Grant's station, with a professional but often strained dynamic.

Maggie Donohoe

Gavan Blake is romantically involved with Maggie Donohoe, with tension arising from her family's rough background.

Red Mick Donohoe

Gavan Blake and Red Mick Donohoe are antagonists, with Red Mick opposing Blake's involvement with his daughter Maggie.

Hugh Gordon

Gavan Blake and Hugh Gordon are friends and allies, often working together on station matters.

Old Man Grant

Gavan Blake works as a manager or overseer for Old Man Grant's station, with a professional but often strained dynamic.

Ellen Harriott

Ellen Harriott is a refined Englishwoman who becomes a romantic interest for Gavan Blake, creating a love triangle.

Maggie Donohoe

Gavan Blake is romantically involved with Maggie Donohoe, with tension arising from her family's rough background.

A Dinner for Five

Blake is not present in this chapter.

VI: A Coach Accident

Travels on the coach; rescues Mary from the creek; exchanges hostile looks with Hugh; refuses a lift initially but eventually joins the wagonette.

Mr. Blake's Relations

Discussed as the lawyer from Tarrong, of mixed parentage, and the savior of Mary's life.

VIII: At the Homestead

Mentioned as a selector's son and lawyer who saved Mary's life; Ellen knows him but he is not invited to Kuryong by the Gordons.

X: A Lawyer in the Bush

The lawyer and solicitor in Tarrong, financially strained, a gambler, and secretly engaged to Ellen Harriott; he receives an invitation to Kuryong after saving Mary Grant's life.

XI: A Walk in the Moonlight

Drives to Kuryong, hears Mary sing, and resolves to win her for her wealth and status.

Mr. Blake Breaks His Engagement

Breaks off his engagement to Ellen, citing bad luck and debt, and plans to leave Tarrong.

XIII: The Rivals

Visits Kuryong occasionally, makes himself agreeable to Mary, and is romantically linked with her.

XX: A Consultation at Kiley’s

The lawyer consulted by Peggy; cross-examines her and plans to approach Mary Grant for a settlement.

XXI: No Compromise

Presents Peggy's claim to Mary Grant and is rebuffed; resolves to win the case unscrupulously.

Hugh Goes in Search

Decides to represent Peggy Donohoe after being convinced by the marriage certificate and witness testimony.

The Real Certificate

Grows irritable as the case approaches; demands a third of the winnings; discovers the real certificate and forges it.

A Legal Battle

Driven by hatred, he pushes the case despite knowing the risk; exposed for forgery, he flees court and commits suicide.