Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-07
A RE you quite
~ brave?" he
- asked gently

time they had spoken. and M AN
she hesitated to the pro- NM Nm
priety of conversation with Nh
complete stranger, studying him N NJ \
meanwhile with frank directneSs N
Her momentary of annoyance "
or fear that he was taking advantage N \
of their strange situation passed and N
replaced by subtle interest. His N
garb that of gentleman. and the be- N
ginnings of gray around his temples left no "
uncertainty as to his age; but his eyes.
weary as though tired Of nearly anything Life
scrutiny. She decided to respond.
Yes, suppose l am.
He asked nothing more but sat studying the tips
of his gloved fingers if he had gained all the IN
formation he wished She looked off into the mist
which was now everywhere below. and
around them After that last strange shout there
had been noise and they seemed to have suddenly
passed into soundless world where the very silence
was oppressive She wished he would speak further.
Her fear of impropreties was being dissipated by
desire for Companonshlp. some decided assurance
that she had not forever departed from other human
why do you ask" she ventured with soft
laugh.
It was his turn to pause. He lifted his eyes and
gravely studied her, inventorying the dlmples IN
her cheek the wlsp of waving hair that had sprung
loose from beneath her simple hat. the plain neat
ness of her dress. and noting the fact that
her gloves and the tips of her shoes betrayed much
Il asked he answered without change of
preston, because balloon has broken loose from
its moorings and we are dr!fting-God knows where,
to what
She Sprang wildly to her feet and as she stood IN
the center of the iusvely solid car. casped her
hands together He that her lips which had
opened If to scream were tightly set again. that
her graceful throat contracted if straining for ut
terance, and he admired her quick self mastery. 1t
was though she had again cloaked herself in that
bravery she had avowed and now ready to face
the and desperate situation best she might.
Only her knees betrayed her faltering for she fell
rather than back into the seat she had vacated
"Ah!" he said, Il thought you would do that.
Somehow l fancied you spoke truthfuly when you
declared that you were brave. You appear quite
different from other women.
Ills calmness had such decided effect on her that
IA she began wonder if this could be jest or if
it the truth. whether the danger great
she thought at first. 1t seemed preposterous that
he should sit there careless. immovable and
perturbed, under conditions fraught with any great
The woman instinct made her trust to his
greater physical strength for support and also
to seek his judgment of their predicament
You do not seem worried, she said in despera-
ton. You must have some reason for calmness.
You must believe that safe.'
You said you brave" he replied; so |
may we'll be truthful Contrary to your SUPPOSE
tons believe that we haven't chance in hun
dred thousand. believe certainly doomed
as if already cast into the sea.
She clu ched the edge of the bench on which she
sat, and this time the fight for self mastery pal
pable and pitiabe. He admired her for the galantry
OF it. 8 But what to do" she asked in a voice
that. despite her efforts, had note of trembling
II here isn't much of anything do. " he answered
thoughtfully We can only hope that the breeze
in this higher altitude will prove kindly and watt us
landward to place where descend l
know little of balloons; but think we could find some
way of going earthward How easily | do not know.
SO, all we can do is to be quiet and-wait.
But If go out the sea-
He started to shrug his shoulders as if it was a
habitual gesture and then. remembering her pres
ence. paused and turned more fully toward her If
"A 4 cam save II