The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-06-08
None But the Brave

dreadful country alone and at such time" said she firmly.
 "No, mistress, I do not. But I would ask another question, if you should choose to permit It." | And what may 1t ber' NO other than where are you going! For a moment she looked at me with that glint in her eye, and then burst into as merry fit of laughter as 1t has been my lot to hear. I looked at her in amazement, not unmixed with irritation, and off she went in another ripple. till l had nigh broken forth into more remarks that, would doubtless have called down other sarcasms
 Iris no doubt most ludicrous," said I at length somewhat bitterly, but l have not yet discovered that side of 1t | and cannot join your humor' "Oh, can you not, indeed?' she laugh ed. Could you but look on your own face at this moment, you'd discover soon | enough"
 'T do not see what my face ludicrous as 1t may be. has In common with the end of your journey"
 Why I am travelling with my" turned quickly upon her. and she stopped and flushed as red as the morn ing sun but a couple of hours ago. IT am going to place just above here" she stammered with sober face. And I would tell you, sir, in order that | you may not misjudge me, that l have run away from home because"
 'Because-?" said I, In spite of myself, | for I should have asked hours ago had | dared.
 Because chose to-" she answered, | and then, turning two eyes on me that boded no good in them to those who crossed her. sLe went on. sitting straight up in the saddle because they will learn some day that I will do what I see fit to do, and vii. not do what neither God nor man should expect of mel | Who is 1t. I wonder. that says some thing of the lucidity of a womsn's mind? I knew no more why she had left her home. if she had one, than did before her reply. but would no more have ask ed at that moment for definite informa- tion than I would have banged my head against wonder big maple by the road side So l held my peace. and she sat there astride her horse with ''er head up and the glance of queen.
 She was going to some place about here. Then I could get on my way and attend to my mission. That was what wanted. no doubt. It would be a lucky thing for me to get my mind on my work | and carry 1t through. I was, course, pleased at this, and load was lifted from my shoulders.
 ''Why do you look so glum?'' said she. Do you perhaps take their side?' God forbid. mistress," said I. They might go to limbo before I would stretch out a hand to help them. I was thinking of other matters" "Oh. were you, indeed? I suppose that you are so accustomed to riding about the earth with women that their con- versation wearies you'' I lifted my hand to interrupt her, but ela tY,nw And l would ask you question, too, Mir. Balfork Will you give me that pa- per?"
 That paper" said in amazement.
 "Yes. sir. That paper which you have In your pocket. and which I signed last night" and I saw bit of color go slow ly over her face and into her hair, as she looked at me, and then at Rogers nose and then back at me.
 "Why, think-I fear 1t Is lost" I nut tered.
 Do not lie to me. sir! Iris in your pocket. I saw you put 1t there when twas signed"
 And so I drew the scrawled slip from my pocket and handed 1t to her. as she had bid. She took 1t slowly and looked at 1t for a moment as the horses walked on quietly. and then she put it between the lacings of her bodice, and the color ran over her face again, like the little haze that passes across the moon of a windy night
 "Look!' said she suddenly. "We are coming to a village. See the houses? I think I will walk bit"
 l got down; and she, looking at me with little smile, placed her two hands on my shoulders and let me lift her out of the ungainly saddle and set her on the ground. wondering the while how so much temper anu changeableness could possibly be contained in such a little body for as I threw the reins of the two horses over my arm and started along the only partly dried ruts by her side she laughed that little laugh again:
 "Of what do you suppose I am think ing MT. Balfort7'
 Heaven forbid that I should pretend to guess. madam
 T am thinking" she answered, and