The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-01-09
E.. H. DILLON & CO.

"Yes, maybe three or four months , There was a silence. The flush had faded from Mary's cheeks, and she felt cold. She didn't know why she felt so cold. The air was hot, and the slanting sun was blazing down up- on the stoep outside, Perhaps she was little afraid of being left SC long by herself with only Tanta Shep. herd for company. Four months and Guy Chalmer was in the neigh borhood. She shrank at the thought Four months; it sounded so long. She stared at the man opposite her. He was so big and strong; so quietly as- sured. She felt so safe with him about. Suddenly she became aware 1 that she regretted his going, and the next moment deliberately and un- necessarily told herself that it was because she did not want to be left by herself. She cleared her throat which felt dry and sore.
 'Is it just a ting-trip-or-o1 business?" she asked.
 Business. I've given up hunting.' ' Mary became thoughtful There was an acknowledged shade of re- sentiment in her mind that this an- nouncement had been made merely as an announcement. He had no thought for her, she told herself; she need not be considered in his move ments. Of course she knew that this was natural. She had nothing to do with his affairs. She did as she pleased. so-of course it was only right that he should do the same; yet it seemed to her if there were any danger for her he should surely look to 1t personally. That would be TO breach of their marital relations. Be- sides, he loved her--yes. she knew he loved her. The thought brought her more confidence. She warmed under its influence and looked up.
 "I suppose you go by wagon?" she asked with an assumption of indiffer- ence.
 "Yes, I shall take two wagons and thirty spare oxen. Also the two boys, Klaas and saturdag."
 "I suppose-that is, would it. should [ be in the way in one of the wagons? Couldn't I go with you?'
 It was out almost before she knew what she was asking. She hardly realized what she had intended. or why she asked 1t. Only she knew that she did not want to be left alone. Again she told herself un- necessarily it was not because of him she wanted to go.
 Ferman smiled, and his smile was happy, and illuminated the whole of his rugged face. He found 1t difficult to refrain from the tender expres- sions her proposals inspired. It was the first time she had shown any de- sire to accompany him on his jour neys, had ever sh69en interest in his comings and goings. But he knew that her request was impossible. No woman could share in his work, the = of the question. So his reply came with uncompromising decision.
 I'm afraid not" he said at once, and it cost him an effort to refuse her. "No, it would be impossible You could not stand the trials of the long trek The 'thirsts' are terrible. Most of my time shall be in the de- sert. Besides there is always the chance of the cattle dying. The fly country is bad. You see. if anything of that nature happened could new CT get you back. There is nothing I should like better" he finished up gently, "than to have you with me, but I'm afraid it is out of the ques- tion."
 Mary took his refusal quietly. Her aching head was beginning to affect her mentally. She could not argue. Besides, he did not want her., Where was the good?
 'swhat is your journey for?" she asked peresently in a casual way.
 Again Ferman shook his head.
 "You wouldn't be interested if told you. It is to do with politics, and politics are not very interesting. Besides, I doubt if you would under stand"
 Mary pushed her plate away with a little rebellious movement. She felt hot all over with resentment. They rose from the table, and just for a moment her husband paused at the sideboard while he filled his pipe from the koodoo hoof which served him for 8 tobacco jar. Some thing in the girls manner made him speak.
 I'm sorry, Mary. You quite un- derstand that I should like to have you with me? should like 1t above all things" Then he moved towards her and laid hand upon her should CT, and the movement was very near ly a caress. Are you sure you are well?"
 Gro Be Continued.)
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