The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-03
CHAPTER XII,
Becoming Acquainted.

GCCONlihS acquainted.
Once within the cool shadows of the
living-room, Mrs. Herndon again be-
thought herself to kiss her niece in a
fresh glow Of welcome, while the lat
ter sank into convenient rocker and
began enthusiastically expressing her
unbounded enjoyment of the west, and
of the Impressions gathered during
her journey. Suddenly the elder wom-
en- glanced about and exclaimed,
laughingly. Why, l had completely
forgotten. You have not yet met your
roommate. Come out here, Nadia
this IS my niece, Phoebe Spencer"
The girl thus addressed advanced,
a slender. graceful figure dressed in
white, and extended her hand shyly.
Miss Spencer clasped it warmly, her
eyes upon the flushed, winsome face.
And is this Nadia Gnlis." she
cried. I am so delighted that you
are stin here. and that we are to be
together. Aunt Lydia has written so
much about you that l feel as if we
must have known each other for
years. Why, how pretty you are!"
Naida's cheeks were burning, and
her eyes fell, but she had never yet
succeeded in cOnquering the blunt in
dependence Of her speech. Nobody
else ever says So" she said, uneasily.
Perhaps it's the light"
Miss Spencer turned her about so
as 70 face the window We'll, you
are" she announced, decisively. 81
guess l know; you've got magnificent
hair, and your eyes are perfectly won
derful. You just don't fix yourself up
right; Aunt Lydia never did have any
taste in such things, but I'll make
new girl out Of you. Let's go upstairs:
I'm simply dying to see our room, and
get some Of my dresses unpacked
They must look perfect frights by this
time"
They came down perhaps an hour
later hand in hand, and chattering
like old friends The shades of early
evening were already falling across
the valley Herndon had returned
home from his days work, and had
brought with him Rev. Howard Wyn-
koop for supper. Miss Spencer viewed
the young man with approval, and i'm
mediately became more than usually
vivacious in recounting the incidents
of her long Journey together with her
early Impressions Of the western coun-
try. Mr.. Wynkoop responded with an
interest far from being assumed
IL have found it all so strange, so
unique, Mr.. Wynkoop,' she explained
THE country is like a new world to
me. and the people do not seem at all
like those of the east. They lead such
a wild, untrammeled life Everything
about seems to exhale the spirit of ro-
nance; don't you find it SOP"
He smiled at her enthusiasm, his
glance of undisguised admiration on
her face. Il certainly recall some such
earlier conception" he admitted.
Those just arriving from the environ
ment of an older civilization perceive
merely the picturesque elements; but
my later experiences have been de-
cidedly prosaic."
Why. Mr. Wynkoop! how could
they be? Your work is heroic. 1t is
perfectly grand! Why, the very men
l met seem 10 yield me broader con-
ception Of life and duty; they are so
brave, so modest, so active. Isis
Mr.. Moffat a member of your church 2"
The minister cleared his throat, his
cheeks reddening, Mr.. Moffat? All,
no; not exactly. Do you mean the
mine-owner. Jack Moffat?"
Yes. I think so; he told me he
owned a mine-the Golden Rule the
name was; the very choice in words
would seem to indicate his religious
nature. You have the only church in
Glencaid. l understand, and wonder
greatly he has never joined you. But
perhaps he may be prejudioed against
your denomination. There is 30 much
narrowness in religion. But left
every prejudice east of the Missouri"
sha declared. laughingly. every one,