The Holly chieftain., 1900-06-22
CHAPTER In.-(contInued.) }

[ COulu uCNCi w. CIl6u otuSO6ll. 6n0
.urned and looked straight into his
ace. If that was what you wished to
say to me. Mr.. Moore. lot me tell you
, At once you need say NO more. AS long
,s my father is In New Kelso will
5tay with him. l am not In the least
,fraid Why should woman neces-
sarily be a coward?"
"A coward? No! No one would Ac-
,use you Of being thati" cried Moore.
He turned his horses head toward
hers. so close that he was able to lay
mis- 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
p It; I am. have been brought up in
it. and love 1t. Am l going to run
away because we are going to be in
vaded by the Beers from the Trans
vaal! Do you think have SO little
. confidence In our British relations as
y that? Besides. where should I go!
! 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! / wish you to be my wife"
II 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 q
minute. to see II he were really In
earnest; then, as once more he tried to
! ylay his hand on hers. she shook 1t on
and drew her horse aside.
''Mr. Moore, you have taken me by
surprise. never for moment dreamt
of such thing. Why. you've only
sssn me two or three times! But
sthoush we had known each other for
lifetime 1t would be all the same.
Thank you for the honor you have
done me. but It ID quite out Of the
question. do not love you, and could
never be your wife"
It was as well she did not see the
expression Of his face now. He did
not speak for 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
p too suddenly; you were not prepared
II for 1t. l will walt until you have seen
your father, until he has spoken to
you. Perhaps your answer then will
be different"
"It cannot be Different" the girl re-
torted. What could my father say to
change my feelings? You may as well
take your answer now. Mr.. Moore; and
please don't think 1t is because did
not expect what you have just said
that have made such an answer.
am very sorry II have hurt your feel
ings. but can't help It. Now am
going to put Rover to gallop: we
Gre getting near home.'
She put the words into action, and
sthe 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 a thorough
horsewoman. It was pretty sight to
see horse and rider lit up by the red
blaze Of sunset, the girls whole figure
ssimply outlined in the crimson light.
her ruddy hair touched with the gold
of the setting sun.
Moore followed. There was a look
on his face that would have given
Bluebell thrill Of indefinite fear and
n Aague foreboding had she seen 1t. Once
his lips moved, as IL he were mutter-
IA tg to himself; but no articulate
| sound came from them.
n Bluebell did not pause until they
N were close to the avenue of blue-gum
y,nd nettle: then she half turned her
| head to say:
E Are you coming up, Mr.. Moore?"
k "If you have no objection, Miss Les
IA lie," he answered in his usual tones.
Bluebell made no response, and few
| seconds brought them to the door Of
. she house.
( The saunt figure Of Miss Elizabeth
I# appeared at the entrance, brought
q thither by the sound Of horses hoofs.
Her thin, high-cheek-boned face
was grey with anxious fear.
III Thank God. you're safe home. my
|k bairn!" she exclaimed, using the IA