MY LADY OF THE BREECHES
habit. She dressed often as a man; and, one day, riding by
Lionel’s cottage, she noticed the thin-armed youth whose eyes
were big and haloed.
Their eyes met; she smiled, he trembled. Both were
pleased. The next day rose'and brought them again together.
A formal introduction followed. Mary the male conquered
Lionel the female. Thereafter, the “cheval hongre” lost his nick-
name. Nor did he give any widow the chance of horse-whip-
ping him again.
XVIII
THE MOON
THEY were very happy; he learnt the joy of health and the
ineffable delectation of surrender; she the thrilling pain-
pleasure of possession. Here, she, being the heroine of our
tale, passes out of it.
They are very happy. Man and woman. The complete
being. May their love last longer than the bee’s!
GeEoRGE RAFFALOVICH.
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