Marcus Clarke, Romance of Bullocktown (1896)
“ John Hardy, the schoolmaster, was regarded with some degree of awe by the Bullocktown folks. As a general rule, Bullocktown stood in awe of nothing under or over heaven, believing utterly in the eternal fitness of things, and the propriety of its own existence. But Mr. John Hardy was a human being of a type so unfamiliar to Bullocktown, that for once in its life the township unwillingly did reverence. ”
Marcus Clarke, Romance of Bullocktown (1896)
“ This process of self-abstraction from the joys of Bullocktown was at first resented. It was the custom that every stranger should be made free of the place--receive the liberty of the city, so to speak--by at least one glorious bout of brandy. Intoxication in Bullocktown had become elevated into an art, and, as with other delights of a sensual character, connoisseurs studied to protract its enjoyment as long as possible. Rumours were afloat that Mr. Hardy was a scholar of eminence, a man of much erudition, whom "circumstances" had compelled to accept the appointment of a common schoolmaster. ”
Marcus Clarke, Romance of Bullocktown (1896)
“ There was no passion in the tones, though, perhaps a taste of high-flown sentiment might not have seemed misplaced in a reply to such a wild appeal as his; but the simple truthfulness of the grave, sweet voice soothed and convinced the questioner."You are a woman who would meet death for one you loved, my rose!""Death is the least of human ills," said Rose, smiling at him, "if your philosophy is to be believed. Ah, my love, my love, you need not doubt me." The township was more indignant than ever when it heard that "that d----d Hardy" was going to marry their pride and darling. ”
