The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1900-08-09
CHAPTER 1II.-(Continued.)

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"And to leave him behind! No, that,
could never dol" cried Bluebell. She
turned and looked straight into his
face. "If that was what you wished to
say to me, Mr.. Moore, let me tell you
ut once you need say no more. AS long
as my father is in New Kelso will
stay with him. am not in the least
afraid. Why should woman neces-
sarily be a coward?"
"A coward? No! No one would ac-
cuse YOU of being that" cried Moore.
He turned his horses head toward
hers, so close that he was able to lay
his hand on hers. Bluebell started
and instantly withdrew her hand.
Moore went on in a lower tone: "But
you are one of those women to save
whom from danger or hurt men would
give up their lives. Bluebell, listen to
me. am going out of the country,
and have only been waiting here until
I should dare to ask you to accompany
me. Your father is anxious you should
consent"
She was still uncomprehending.
you may leave the country" she
answered coldly. "You are not of
1t; am. l have been brought up in
1t, and love it. Am l going to run
away because we are going to be in
vaded by the Beers from the Trans
vaal? Do you think l have so little
confidence in our British relations as
that? Besides, where should l 60?
have no relations in the world, SO far
as know, but my father"
You will not understand me-" said
Moore. His brow began to darken,
but Bluebell did not notice that. "Miss
Leslie-Bluebell, love you with all
my soul! l wish you to be my wife. ;"
If the kopje they were ascending had
suddenly been cleft asunder, and swal-
lowed up rider and horse before her
eyes, Bluebell could not have been
more astonished.
Bluebell looked at the man for
minute, to see if he were really in
lay his hand on hers, she shook it Off
and drew her horse aside.
Mr.. Moore, you have taken me by
surprise. I never for moment dreamt
of such thing. Why, you've only
seen me two or three times! But
though we had known each other for
a lifetime it would be all the same.
Thank you for the honor you have
done me, but it is quite out of the
question. do not love you, and could
never be your wife"
1t was as we'll she did not see the
expression of his face now He did
not speak for a few minutes. Perhaps
he was trying to conquer himself
II will not take that as my answer,
Miss Leslie" he said at last, in the
same tone as before. II have spoken
too suddenly; you were not prepared
for it. will wait until you have seen
your father, until he has spoken to
you. Perhaps your answer then will
be different"
st cannot be Different" the girl re-
torted. What could my father say to
change my feelings? You may as we'll
take your answer now, Mr.. Moore; and
please don't think it is because I did
not expect what you have just said
that I have made such an answer.
am very sorry if have hurt your feel
ings, but can't help it. Now l am
going to put Rover to gallop; we
are getting near home"
She put the words into action, and
the next moment the gallant little
veldt pony was flying over the level
plain, the girl keeping her seat like
one to the manner born, her slight
figure erect, her reins held with the
negligent yet firm hand of thorough
horseWoman. 1t was pretty sight to
see horse and rider lit up by the red
blaze Of sunset, the girls whole figure
simply outlined in the crimson light,
her ruddy hair touched with the gold
of the setting sun.
Moore followed. There was look
on his face that would have given
Bluebell thrill of indefinite fear and
vague foreboding had she seen it. Once
his lips moved, as if he were mutter-
ing to himself; but no articulate
sound came from them
Bluebell did not pause until they
were close to the avenue of blue-gum
and nettle; then she half turned her
head to say:
Are you coming up, Mr.. Moore?"
"If you have no objection, Miss Les
lie," he answered in his usual tones.
Bluebell made no response, and few
seconds brought them to the door of
the house.
The gaunt figure of Miss Elizabeth
appeared at the entrance, brought
thither by the sound of horses hoofs.
Her thin, high-cheek- boned face
was grey with anxious fear.
THANK God, you're safe home, my
bairn!" she exclaimed, using the ia
miliar Scotch word as she was apt
to do in moments of excitement. 81
have not been able to do stroke of
work for over-anxiety about you. They
say the Beers have entered the coun-
try"
II didn't see them, anyway, auntie;
and I've turned up all safe and sound,
you see" said the girl with little
laugh, as she laid an affectionate arm
round Miss Elizabeth's scraggy shout
ders Here, Sam" to the Zulu boy
who appeared from the stables" take
the horses, boy"
"Yah, missile" answered the Zulu,
showing his teeth in grin. He was
an intelligent looking specimen of his
race, with frank and pleasant ex-
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