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Page 313

| In an effort to draw Ashton's attention elsewhere, Sasha pointed toward the forest. "Ashton, look at the animals and birds that are roaming the banks so calmly you could almost reach out and touch them," she said, truly amazed at what she was seeing. "There are black swans, and pelicansand look at that strange-looking wading bird." |

| Then her breath was taken clear away when suddenly a lyrebird dashed overhead, its head low and its long tail feathers trailing. "How exquisite!" Sasha exclaimed, placing her hands to her cheeks. |

| And then many budgerigars flew up from the boughs of trees in green clouds so dense they cast long, rippling shadows on the water. |

| "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself so much," Ashton said, again drawing her close to his side. |

| "Never in my wildest dreams had I expected to see so many beautiful creatures," Sasha murmured. "In England everything is soso drab." |

| They cuddled close as the paddlewheeler plied its way through the water, a whump-whump-whump throbbing through the boat as the helmsman eased her over a sandbar. |

| Koalas clambered about in the gum trees overhead, looking more cuddlesome than they were, while grey 'roos hopped about. White clusters of Christmas bush filled the air with spicy sweetness. . . . |

| The clanging of a bell was the warning that the dinner hour was near. The sun now dipped low and turned crimson behind the gum trees, turning everything on shore into lengthening shadows. |

| Ashton escorted Sasha to a dining room, where |

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