The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-10-19
CHLOE AND THE sT1LE.

the heath, her cheeks were flushed
with health and beauty, and she was
mistress and queen of herself and her
domain. For me. my eyes went from
her bright and significant face across
the gray-green oats in which We walk
ed breast high, and back again in
serene cOntentment- What did it mat
ter that she was prepared to give bat
tie to the monster-Man? Let him
perish.
The hills were ablaze with light. the
fields with charlock; we moved in the
suns eye, but Chloe looked as cool as
a primrose in her muslin, despite the
heat of her opinions
ST can't really understand a sensible
man like you taking up a position like
had taken no position, except the
one by her side, but defended myself
weakly.
wen. you see, we inherit these
prepossessions and prejudices from
our savage ancestors, 1 suppose.
That's just it," said Chloe eagerly:
"You admit it, then? Savage! or
course, they were savages. You've
given away your case.
didn't say so. 81 suppose 1 have"
you know it, said Miss Bohun
firmly 'fIt is quite absurd to pretend
that women are one whit inferior to
quickly. ''in regard to physical
strength.
And even then there were the ANA
IONS" I suggested.
She cast a glance at me. es'
there were the Amazons," she sa1d'
(which shows
And the women do all the hard
work among the aboriginals' went
She gave me another glance. And
that again shows she began with
less confidence.
midheld to observe her critically, L
believe that if you only pracuceo a
little you would be more than a match
"Do@do you think so?" she said.
hesitatingly; and added, after a pause.
Il don't think I'm so-Im not
what you'd call muscular.
well perhaps not assented, ex-
amining her appraisingly; but sinewy.
say o,,oo cutie
snappishly, as she walked on. fol- |
lowed. The deep, spreading shadows
of the bushes at the end of the field
enveloped US
Dear me, that's the fourth said |
Chloe, resignedIy. II do wish they'd |
make gates between the fields"
"a stiles more picturesque" said L |
very possibly said Miss Bohun. |
indifferently. IT'S certainly not as
convenient"
"Ah," said I, smiling. there's one
thing. at any rate, in which men are
superior. They can negotiate a stile-
Indeed" said Chloe, loftily. Il
should have thought the feat was not |
impossible for woman" l pursed up |
my lips. ANY woman can get over |
stiles she said warmly, seeing my |
skepticism.
sOh, I've no doubt" L said politely. |
TITS nonsense your saying that when |
I can see you don't believe it," said |
Miss Bohun. You're simply pleased |
to be sarcastic all along"
1 shrugged my shoulders She |
marched coldly and confidently to the |
stile. 1t took off high ground. which, |
1 suppose, accounted for the absence
of a step. But there were two cross
bars to assist the climber. 1 thought |
ChIoe's face fell as she noted it.
Let me give you a hand" said.
'Nonsensei" she replied. 81 don't |
want any assistance. It's quite easy"
She put the hand which was not en-
numbered by the sunshade on the top
bar and placed one neat foot on the
lowest Then she hesitated.
Perhaps I'd better take the sun
shade suggested.
She did not answer at once; then,
IF you wish it, she replied, nonchal-
antly, though it's of no consequence"
I took the sunshade and waited.
Chloe's two feet were now on the low
est bar. She peered over. The stile
let down beyond in a big drop into
q kind of hollow or ditch.
''Oh!" said she. 81 didn't" I was
still waiting.
81 wish you'd go on and not stare
In that atrocious way" said she, with
asperity.
I begged pardon, vaulted the stile
with one hand and strolled on. Pres
emily I looked back. Miss Bohun was
seated astride the top bar, cIinging |
with both hands to it. Her face was |
deeply flushed.
DO go on!" she called out vehe-
mently. I went on leisurely. But |
somehow, I could not make up my
mind to walk briskly. She did not
Join me. SO I flung myself upon the |
grass and pulled out cigarette. Then
l heard my name called in a distress |
full voice. 1 stood up and looked
around. Miss Bohun was still astride |
the top bar, and she was pinker than |
ever.
please come--don't be so unkind!"
hurried back like the wind.
"Oh, Just give me your hand!" |
PAM Panred H., Ch Zoe n.ervousiy, lifting one
long drop. I can't get my SUCH
Wait bit" said 1 considering. |
You're half way over now You've
only got to lift that foot off the bar |
IT shall go over. I know I shall GO
over" she said pathetically.
No you won't" said I. ''It only re-
quires confidence. Imagine you're on
a horse and
But I don't ride horse this way"
said Chloe miserably.
No" said I, 'but men do; and
women are just as good as"
Its cruel of you-it's beastly, when |
I'm in such perill'' sobbed Miss Bohun.
She clutched wildly for me with the
trembling hand she had dfsengaged- I |
seized it and her.
Now just lift that foot" enioined. |
Chloe's weight lay limp on nv
shoulder.
81 can't get it free. It's stuck" she
said pitifully. I move closer, still with
my burden on my shoulder, and loosed 1
the dainty foot. Now" 1 said. She
lifted it gingerly. Don't mind about
your ankles I said.
"Oh, but I am Her foot went