Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1897-07-17
to the ground, and frowned.


Mr.. Corbett's estate was in Tom s
hands. Moreover, 1t was particular
ly well-managed. He did not con.
tradict her, however.
"That is my idea of enjoyment"
he rejoined.
"You might as well be sheep or
cow y she said, waving her hand to-
wards an adjacent field.
81 am glad you did not say don
key y he remarked, smiling.
But she was very much in earn
est.
@Look how cut of training you
must be-" she said. "Why, | do
not believe you could walk couple
of miles
He laughed
81 dare say I am out Of training
he said, nevertheless, my dear girl,
I could outwalk you without any
trouble at ALL
Audrey gasped, then laughed
scornfully.
"Of course I could" he repeated,
gazing up into the leafy branches
above him with an innocent air. $50
could any fellow of ordinary average
strength. Not that I mean to insin-
uate that you are merely an average
girl, Audrey assure you that |
have always looked upon you as a
phenomenon"
For moment words failed her.
Then "Will you try ?" she asked
eagerly. "Eow! At oncePi
He got up and put bis pipe in his
pocket.
snow we shall see !" she cried,
triumphantly.
Well, they walked, and they walk
ed, and they walked.
The country in that part Of the
world is somewhat steep and rugged.
You climb up hills until you lose
your breath, and then you jolt down
hills until your boots feel too short,
and you go near to losing your tenn
per. Also the lanes are stony and
muddy.
l should be afraid to say how
many miles they covered before Au-
drey began to cast anxious glances
at her cousin. He was walking
with long, easy stride, and seemed
to be enjoying himself immensely.
"He looks as though he could GO
on for week." che said to herself
despairingly.
But she set her teeth hard and
resolutely plodded on. She looked
hot and flushed, cross and miserable
Anv attempt at conversation on hel
cousins part, WAS ruthlessly suub'
bed. Indeed, poor girl, she requir
ed such breath as was left her fol
the hills.
Now Tom had been secretly watch
ing her as we'll as she him. He be.
gan to feel not little bit concerned
over her evident fatigue.
81 am afraid you are getting tired
Audrey he said presently, with 8
solicitude that did not soothe. "Shal
we give it up?'
She smiled contemptuously-s
somewhat spasmodie, difficult smile
"Give up?' she echoed, raising
her eyebrows and trying to persuade
herself that she was not aching in
every limb. my dear Tom, you dc
not appreciate my walking powers
He merely shrugged his shoulders
and walked on.
So they climbed two more hills
and crossed another common. By
that time Audrey was beginning tC
feel that she would presently be re-
duced to going on her hands anG
knees. She WAS even limping lit
tie because some slight unevennesi
in her boot had blistered her LET
heel.
There was no conveyance, from {
wheelbarrow to hearse, in which
she would not at that moment have
considered it a luxury to drive, had
her pride permitted.
"Look here, Audrey, you are ut
terly tagged, you know" he said, al
last. cit would be better for yor
to give in.'
1t was evident that he was not &C.
customed to dealing with women.
| His cousin turned on him with 9
fash in her eye.
"If You are tired, say SO at once,
she cried. "As for me-perhaps
you will allow me to know my own
feelings? lam not tired. I am
enjoying the walk"
A few minutes later they struck
into the high road once more.
Audrey was quite aware that Tom
was anxiously watching her, and she
made a gallant attempt to quicken
her pace and assume a gay and
cheerful air. The effort, however.
was beyond her. A more woe be.
gone, forlorn, weary young woman
had never cravled along that road
And when a sudden turn at last
brought them in sight Of a small
rustic inn, and she saw attached to
that inn there was small stable
wherein was probably a pony and
/ Il