Evening bulletin. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1895-1912, 1904-10-25
SHORT STORY FOR
EVENING HOURS
CHLOE ANO THE STILE


ing corn on Lavender Hill, Chloe was
talking quite hcroically Of life. Her
hair had been blown little into ad.
mired disorder by the bluff wind on the
heath. her cheeks were flushed with
health, and beauty, and she was mis-
tress and queen Of herself and her do.
main. For me. my eyes Went from her
bright and significant face across the
gray-green oats in which we walked
breast high, and back again in serene
conteutment. What did 1t matter that
she was prepared TO give battle to the
monster-Man? Let him perish.
The hills were abla2e 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.
Il can't really understand sensible
man like you taking up a 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, then? Savage! OF
course, they were sayages. You've Civ
en- away your case"
never really had any case, but
didn't say so. 81 suppose ! have" !
said ruefully.
You know it," said Miss Bohun firm
iy. 1T is quit eabsurd to pretend that
women are one whit inferior to man
except, of course" she added quickly
in regard to physical strength.
And even then there were the ANA
IONS" | suggested.
She cast a glance at me. Yes. there
were the Amazons.' she said, which
shows
And the women do all the hard work
among the aboriginalJ." went on.
She gave me another glance. And
that again shows" she began With
less confidence.
do you know" I said, stopping In
midfed to observe her critically, Il he
Iieye that II you only practiced little
you would be more than a match for o
man."
She looked away across the corn. do
do you think so?" she said. hesitat
ingly; and added, after a pause, II
don't think I'm so-Im not what you'd
call muscular"
We'll. perhaps not" assented. en-
her appraisingly; but sin
envy. say"
How absurd" said Chloe, quite
as she walked on. ] fol
lowed. The deep, spreading shadow
Of the bushes at the end of the field en-
veloped us.
Another stie," said ], cheerfully.
Dear me. that's the fourth" said
Chloe. resignedly. 81 do wish they'd
make gates between the fields"
"A stiles more picturesque" said l.
Very possibly" said Miss Bohun, in
differently. Its certainly not as con.
yenient."
"Ah." said !. smiling, there's one
thing at any rate, in which men are
superior. They can negotiate a stile."
Indeed" said Chloe, loftily. II
should have thought the feat was not
for woman" | pursed up
my lips. ANY woman can get over
Stiles" she said, warmly. seeing my
skepticism.
"oh. I've no doubt" I said. politely.
ITS 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
marched coldIy and confidently toward
the stile, 1t took Off high ground,
which, suppose. accounted for the
absence of step. But there were two
crossbars TO assist the climber.
thought Chloe's face fell as she noted
Il.
Let me give you hand" said.
NONSENSE" sLe replied. Il don't
want any assistance. It's quite easy"
She put tie hand which was not en-.
numbered by the sunshade on the top
bar and placed one neat foot on the
loves. Then she hesitated.
Perhaps I'd better take the sun
shade" ! suggested.
She did not answer at once; then,
III you wish it," she replied, non
though it's OF no conse.
Quence."
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 big drop into
kind of hollow or ditch.
"Oh!" said she. Il didn't" was
still waiting.
Il wish you'd go on and not stare in
that atrocious way" said she, with as.
perity,
begged pardon, vaulted the stile
win one hand and strolled on. Pres.
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