Eight o'clock
I _ love _ the kid already . She has Mary 's eyes and Mary 's voice , and , _ if you _ do n't want her _ I _ do . When will breakfast be ready , old girl ? '' `` Eight o'clock , '' said Mrs Westonley faintly , wondering if she were awake or dreaming . Who but this handsome , sunburnt brother would dare to lecture her , and then wind up by addressing her as `` old girl '' ! When Captain Richard Gerrard -- the father of Mrs Westonley -- came to Australia from India , he first settled in Gippsland , in Victoria . A retired military man , with ample means , he devoted himself successfully to pastoral pursuits , and soon took a leading part in the advancement of the colony .