Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1905-02-04
CLOE AND
1 EIE, = lII>N,
By H. D. r1ARR1oTr-wATsoN
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

A we came down the field Of way
n ing corn on Lavender hill Chloe
was talking quite heroicany of life
Her hair had bsen blown little into
admired disorder by the bluff wind on
the heath, her cheeks we're 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 content
ment. What did it matter that she was
prepared to give battle to the monster
Man? Let him perish.
The hills were ablaze with light the
fields with charlocl: we moved in the
suns eye. but Chloe looked as cool as
a primrose in her muslin, despite the
heat of her opinions.
L can't really understand a 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
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 were savages. You've given away
your case"
| never really had any case. but I
didn't say so. Il suppose have" said
ruefully.
You know it, said Miss Bohun. firm.
" 1T is quite absurd TO pretend thst
women are one whit inferior TO man
except, of course she added. Quickly
lin regard to physical strength
And even then there were the Anna
IONS" | suggested.
She cast glance at me- Yes. there
were the Amazons." she said. which
shows"
Ana the women do all the hard worl,
among the aboriginals." went on
she gave me another glance. And
that again shows" she began with
less confidence.
DO you know" I said. stopping in
midfeld to observe her critically 81 he
lieve that if you only practiced little
you would be more than a match for \
man."
She looked away across the corn
Do-do you think SOP" she said
hesitatingly; and added. after a pause
IL don't think I'm so-Pm not what
you'd call muscular"
We'll, perhaps not" | assented ov-
say" ''''e"9'
How absurdn' said Chloe opita
snapplshly, as she walked on. fol-
lowed The deep, spreading shadows
OF the bushes at the end of the field
enveloped US.
another stile." said |, cheerfullv.
Dear me, that's the fourthr' said
Chloe, resiSnedly. I Go wish tbev'd
make gates between the fields"
stiles more picturesque" said
very possibly" said Miss Bobun
lndiHerently. IT'S certainly not as
convenient"
All said I, smiling. there's one
Cning, at any rate, in which men are
superior, They can negotiate stue ,,
indeed" said Chloe. loftflv az
should have thought the feat was not
impossible for a woman pursed
UP my lips. Amy woman can get over
stiles" she said, warmly. seeing NV
skepticism
on 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 simDIv
pleased to be sarcastic an along
shrugged my shoulders. She
marched coldly and confidently toward
the stile 1t took or q hfgb gronDd
which, / SUPPOSE, accounted for the
absence Of 2 step. Bat there were two
cross-bars to assist the climber
thought Chloe's face fen as She
noted it.
Let me give YOU a hand" I 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 ton
bar and placed one neat foot ON the
lowest Then she hesitated
Perhaps Ia better take the SIM
shade" I suggested.
She did not answer at once; then.
If you wish it." she replied non
chalantly. though it's Of no conse-
quence"
l took the sunshaGe and waited
Chloe's two feet were now on the low
est bar. She peered over. The stue
let down beyond in big drop into 2
kind of hollow or ditch.
"oh!" said she. 4 didn't" was
still waiting.
Il wish you'd go on and not stare in
that atrocious way said she. with
asperity.
begged pardon, vaulted the stile
with one hand and stroled on. Pres
emily / loo ed bacl Miss Bobun vas