Gilpin observer., 1905-01-26

9 N 8 der Hill Chloe was talking
II "A r quite heroically of life.
1o~ IIcr hair had been blown a
little .n,o admired disorder by the bluff
wind Oh 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 walked breast high, and
back again in serene contentment.
What did it 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 charlick; we moved in the
suns eye, but Chloe looked us cool as
primrose i'll her muslin, despite the
heat of her opinions.
Il can't really understand a sensible
man like you taking up position like
that" said she.
l had taken no position. except the
one by her side Lut defended myself
weakly.
We'll, 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 We're savages. You've
given away your case"
never really had any case, but |
didn't say so. Il suppose l have"
said, ruefully.
You know IT. said Miss Bobun
firmly. 1T is quite absurd to pretend
that women are one whit inferior 70
man, except, of course she added,
quickly. lin regard to physical
strength
"And even then there were ANA
zons," 1 suggested.
She cast glance at me. "Yes. there
were the AmazoIs," she said, (Which
shows"
"And the women do all the hard work
among the aboriginals,' l went OH.
She gave me another glance. And
that again shows" she began, with
less confidence.
DO you know" said, stopping in
midfield to observe ner critically, Il
believe that il you only practiced lit
tie you would be more than a match
for Il man."
She looked away across the corn.
"Do-do you think so?' she said, hesi-
tatingly: and added, after pause: Il
Il don't think / am so-Im not what
you'd call muscular"
"Well, perhaps not" assented. ex-
amining her appraisingly; but sinewy,
say"
How absurdw said Shoe, quite
snappishly, as she walked on. fol-
lowed. The deep. spreading shadows
of the bushes at the end of the field
enveloped us.
another stle," said I. cheerfully.
"Dear me. that's the fourth" said
Chloe, resignedly. ~ do wish they'd
make gates between the fields.
"a stiles more picturesque" said I.
every possibly" said Miss Bohun. in
differently. Its certainly not as con-
venlent."
"Ah," said I, smiling, there's one
thing, at any rate, in which men are
superior. They can negotiate stile."
"Indeedw said Chloe, loftily. 81
should have thought the feat was not
impossible for woman" pursed up
my lips. ''Any woman can get over
stiles" she said, warmly, seeing my
skepticlsm.
"Oh, I've no doubt" said. politely.
ats 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 coldly and confidentially to-
ward the stile. 1t took Off high
ground which. suppose, accounted
for the absence of n step. But there
were two cross bars to assist the
climber. l thought Chloe's face fell
as she noted 1t.
"Let me give you n hand" said.
"Nonsense." she replied. ~ 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 hesltated.