The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1905-03-30
CHLOE AND A sritr

AZ we came uOWn tne utiu VI WhNlhb
corn on Lavender hill Chloe was talk
ing quite heroically Of life. Her hair
had been blown a little into admired
disorder by the bluff wind on the heath,
her cheeks were flushed with health
and beauty, and she was mistress and
queen of herself and her domain.
''You know" she said firmly, at Is
quite absurd to pretend that women
are one whit inferior to men, except,
OF course" she added quickly, "in re-
gard to physical strength"
"And even then there were the Anna.
zons," l suggested.
do you know" l said, stopping In
milheld to observe her critically, 81
believe that II you only practlced a
little you would be more than a match
for man."
She looked away across the corn.
"Do-do you think soT' she said hesi-
| tatingly, and added, after a pause, IL
1 don't think. I'm so-Pm not what
you'd call muscular"
"Well, perhaps not" assented, ex-
amining her appraisingly. "But sim
ewy, say"
"How absurdr said Chloe. She
walked on; followed.
another stlle," said / cheerfully.
| "Dear me; that's the fourth" said
Chloe resignedly. 81 do wish they'd
make gates between the fields"
"Ah," said l, smiling, there's one
| thing Mt any rate in which men are
superior. They can negotiate stlle."
| "Indeed!" said Chloe loftily. II
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
skepticism.
| shrugged my shoulders. She march
ed coldly and confidently toward the
stile. 1t took OFF high ground, which,
suppose, accounted for the absence OF
step. But there We're two crossbars
| to assist the climber. ! thought Chloe's
| face fell us she noted it.
"Let me give you hand,' said.
| "Nonsensev she replied. II don't
want any assistance. It's quite easy
| Perhaps I'd better take the sun.
shade" l suggested.
She did not answer ut once; then, 'Tf
you wish It," she replied nOnchalantly
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 big drop into q
kind Of hollow or ditch.
"Oh," said she, 81 didn't was
still waiting.
do go on" she called out vehement
ly. l went on leisurely. But some
how could not make up my mind tC
walk briskly She did not join me. sc
l flung myself upon the grass and pull
ed out a cigarette. Then heard my
name called In distressful voice.
stood up and looked round. Miss Bo
hun was still astride the top bar, and
she was pinker than ever.
"Please, come! Don't be 80 unkindv
she cried, with tears In her voice.
hurried back like the wind.
"Oh, just give me your hand" pant
ed Chloe, nervously lifting one from
the bar. 81 can't. It's such Ions
drop. can't get my I'D
"Wait Bit" said l, considering
you're halfway over now. You've on
ly got to lift that foot off the bal
and
II shall go over. 1 know shall g
over" she said pathetically.
'No, you won't" said I. "It only re
Quires confidence. Imagine you're OIL
horse and
"But / don't ride horse this way.
said Chloe miserably.
"No," said 1, but men do, and WON
en- are just as good as
ats cruel Of you-it's beastly, whel
I'm In such perll!" sobbed Miss Bohun
!, She clutched wildly for me with tn
, trembling hand she had disengaged.
, seized it and her.
Now, just lift that footp enjoined
Chloes weight lay on my shoulder.
. Il can't get 1t free; It's stuck" sh
, said pitifully. moved closer. stil
! with my burden on my shoulder. an,
loosed the dainty foot. "Now," said
She lifted 1t gingerly. Don't min
about your ankles" said.
"Oh, but l am Her foot wen
I back. "shut your eyes, please" sh