hater of sham and humbugs" was said of him in his life and might serve for his epitaph.
"He was the best friend I ever had" was the description of him given by John Heaton, who was deeply grateful for the good fortune that brought him under the influence of Mr Bennett's erudition.
After working some time on "The Australian Town and Country Journal" there came a memorable day when John Heaton was bidden to luncheon at Mr Bennett's home. Presiding over the table was the lady who was to share his life for forty-one years of radiant happiness. Rose Bennett was the only daughter of the house, and the beloved sister of her three younger brothers. There is a charming portrait of her at this period, showing her dark wavy hair parted in the middle and her soft dark eyes. It was perhaps more her sweetness of expression, gentle voice and dignity of bearing than any special regularity of feature that won for her the admiration she received in so large a measure. She is celebrated as "Rose Lorraine" in the poem of that name by Henry Kendall. This poem has been described as one of the three saddest love-poems in the English language.
ROSE LORRAINE
Of flying gold on pool and creek,
And many sounds and many sights
Of younger days are back this week.
I cannot say I sought to face
Or greatly cared to cross again
The subtle spirit of the place
Whose life is mixed with Rose Lorraine.
