really splendid. Of course, as might be expected, there is a great
deal of independence in bearing and manner, especially among the
servants, and I hear astounding stories concerning them on all
sides. My next letter will be from the country, as we have accepted
an invitation to pay a visit of six weeks or so to a station in the
north of the province.



Letter IV: First introduction to "Station life."


Heathstock, Canterbury, November 13th, 1865.
I have just had the happiness of receiving my first budget of
English letters; and no one can imagine how a satisfactory home
letter satisfies the hunger of the heart after its loved and left
ones. Your letter was particularly pleasant, because I could
perceive, as I held the paper in my hands, that you were writing as
you really felt, and that you were indeed happy. May you long
continue so, dearest.

F--- says that this beautiful place will give me a very erroneous
impression of station life, and that I shall probably expect to find
its comforts and luxuries the rule, whereas they are the exception;
in the mean time, however, I am enjoying them thoroughly. The house
is only sixty-five miles from Christchurch, nearly due north (which
you must not forget answers to your south in point of warmth). Our
kind friends and hosts, the L---s, called for us in their
comfortable and large break, with four horses. Mr. L--- drove, F---
sat on the box, and inside were the ladies, children, and a nurse.