Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-09-20

dure it."
 "Do you think these woods are full of wolves and robberssa laughed Gurley. "As long ago as my jacket days they hadn't even wildcat to make them interesting. Painter is the only monster that is sup posed to haunt them now. Have you any wrap ont Aren't you coldf
 'Just little cold, but hadn't noticed it myself. I did not stop for shawl And what will they thInk when they find you are gone without any overcoatn
 "They'n think I'm chasing Bess toward her stable," replied Gurley, in amusement ''It was fortunate I snatched up my hat Here: you must let me wrap this around your shoulders" He halted Bess.
 "What is itr inquired Phoebe, but the Rleam of his shirt-sleeves was token enough.
 'Indeed, won't take your coat, MT. Cur Icy. Indeed, will not. If you don't put 1t on again I'll go back in the dark by myself. It is not a cold night. don't shiver because am chilly"
 "As you please" said Gurley, throwing 1t across his arm and moving on. "1t does smell of cigars. I feel like grand wood- chopper stalking along this way"
 'It wasn't cigars. You know it wasn't cigars. want you to put it on, please"
 "Here," said Gurley, 'tis a conflict of wills. The fine-tempered but firm tnelastic | woman's will, and the big brutal mans will. | If he gives way he creates a dangerous pre- cedent, and in this case makes himself con- | temptible"
 "It isn't any conflict" said Phoebe. "I'm only begging you to do as want you to-" ''That's the artful way m which the wom- ans will operates" laughed Gurley. "But will obey you, '' he added, with gentle seri- | ousness, ''even in this case, because your slightest wish is going to have lifelong power over me-" "No," gasped Phoebe, feeling her heart close its muscles as with grip. "Yes. My place is at your bridle rein" He turned his face up toward her, his eyes | smiling through the dark, and threw the | coat around his shoulders, buttoning tt un' | der his chin. "I don't want to be too warm while you are not wrapped at all, though" And that's a mans obedience" said Phoebe, in a strange voice, which she could not make playful
 "Yes; his loyal obedience"
 They moved forward in silence, save the sound made by walking. Phoebe felt the | blood beat in every part of her body. The Il sheltering woods seemed warmer, having Q 1 spice of odorous barks and the breath of the first spring flower in the air. "I never have been on this path before, sad Gurley. Have youa" "No, never" breathed Phoebe. "Oh- what am l sayingl have been through these woods often"
 "Td like it." he continued, ''if we were going straight on to Heaven knows where, Some happy valley, may be. So far as my interest in the matter is concerned the rest | of creation may go by the board. This is 1 an unusual ride, isn't it! How keen the starlight is. Two going down 70 Egypt to escape Herod."
 "I feel quite safe from Rerod," said Phoebe, rubbing an agitated palm on Bess' neck, with you. But there isn't any happy valley or pleasant end to this ride. It's very | unhappy valley. And your place is not at my bridle rein"
 ''The existing fact disperses that state ment."
 But mean any more."
 "Now is always the beginning of here | after" said Gurley. 'I am here now. Let a stronger man put me out of my place if he can"
 "Lsten " said Phoebe, sitting alert. And | don't you see somebody coming yonderr' | As they crunched on, feet approaching | them crunched also, and two figures way cred, now together and now apart, as they | picked tirmer footing about the roots of | wayside trees.
 Gurley drew deep breath Of regret as he looked up at Phoebe, and she saidi
 Its Mir. and Mrs. Barker. know his | voice.
 "W hom have we herel" demanded the master, as the parties encountered each other.
 ''Oh Mir. Barker, was coming to your house. And you are going away"
 "Yes, but you save us walk, Miss Phoebe. We were setting out to see you, Is this young Gurleyi Good evening, sir, good evening""
 Good evening"" responded Gurley, car rying his white sleeved hand to his hat in saluting the masters wife. Its tiattering to have convoy sent out for us. Miss Phoebe has been trembling through the woods, but she ought to feel safe in the heart of party like this"
 | EWhy, you surely didn't expect to be molested, ohildr' said Mrs. Barker, with a pang of anxiety in her tone,
 "I didn't know" hesitated Phoebe. Need you go any further now, MT. 9urleyl I can walk; it's but a step. You