Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1904-11-09
CHLOE and THE sT|LE.
~~~~~

81 S we came down the field Of
~ waving corn on Lavender Hill
SS Chloe was talking quite heroic
ally OF life. Her hair had been blown
little into admired disorder by the
bluff wind on the heath, her cheeks
were flushed with he b and beauty,
and she was mistreAs and queen of
hergjf and her domain. For me, my
eye went from her bright and signid-
cant face across the gray-green oats
in which. we walked breast high, and
back again in serene contentment.
What did 1t matter that she was pre-
pared to give battle 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.
II can't really understand sensi-
BILE man like you taking up position
like that" said she.
had taken no position, except the
one by her side, but defended myself
weakly.
well, you see, we inherit these pre-
possessions and prejudices from our
savage ancestors, suppose"
"That's just It," said Chloe eagerly.
"You admit It, then7 Savage! OF
course, they were savages. You've
given away your case"
1 never really had any case, but I
didn't say so. II suppose l have" I
said ruefully.
"You know It," said Miss Bohun
firmly. at is quite absurd to pretend
that women are one whit inferior to
man. except, of course" she added
quickly, sin regard to physical
strength"
"And even then there were the Anna
zons." suggested.
She cast a glance at me. Eyes, there
were the Amazons." she said, (which
shows"
"And the women do all the hard
work among the aboriginals." went
on.
She gave me another glance. "And
that again euoWe------- buo Uekdu
with less confidence. 4
"Do you know" said, stopping in
midfield to observe her critically, 81
believe that II you only practiced a lit
tie YOU would be more than match
for man."
She looked away across the corn.
"Do-do you think so?" she said, hest
tatingly; and added. after pause, II
Il don't think I'm so-I'm not what
you'd call muscular"
"Well, perhaps not" assented, ex-
amining her appraisingly; but sinewy,
say"
'.How absurdl' said Chloe, quite
snappishly, as she walked on. I fol-
lowed. The deep. spreading shadows
OF the bushes at the end Of the field
enveloped US.
another stlle," said I, cheerfully.
Dear me, that's the fourth" said
Chloe, resignedly. II do wish they'd
make gates between the fields"
"a stiles more picturesque" said 1.
Every possibly" said Miss Bohun,
indifferently. Its certainly not as
convenient
"Ah." said l, smiling, there's one
thing, at any rate, in which men are
superior. They can negotiate stile."
"Indeed!' said Chloe, loftily. II
should have thought the feat was not
impossible for woman" pursed up
my lips. amy woman can get over
stiles" she said, warmly, seeing my
skepticism.
"Oh, I've no doubt" said 1, politely.
"It's nonsense your saying that
when can see you don't believe IT.
said Miss Bohun. You're simply
pleased to be sarcastic all along"
shrugged my shoulders. She march
ed coldly and confidently toward the
stile. 1t took OF high ground, which,
suppose, accounted for the absence
of step. But there were two cross.
bars to assist the climber. thought
Chloe's face fell as she noted 1t.
LET me give you hand,' said.
'Nonsense!" she replied. II don't
want any assistance. It's quite easy"
50 e1l45.f eT78-f .tis + ~