The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-17

absent from his sight during the en-
tire evening.
"Ah." he calculated, at last | To-
cate her, and, fortunately, at this mo-
ment she is not upon the floor. al
though positively hidden by the men
clustering about her chair. You will
excuse us, Mrs. Herndon, but l have
promised Lieut.. Brant a presentation
10 your niece"
They slipped past the musicians
stand, and the missionary pressed in
through the ring of admirers.
Why, Mr. Wynkoop!" and she ex-
tended both hands impulsively And
only to think, you have never once
been near me all this evening! You
don't know how much l have missed
you. | was just saying to Mr.. Moffat
or it might have ben Mr.. Mcneil
that | was completely tired out and
wished you were here to sit out this
dance with me-"
Wynkoop blushed and forgot the
errand which had brought him there,
but she remained sufficiently cool and
observant. She touched him gently
with her hand
Who is that fine-looking young OH.
cer?" she questioned softly, yet with
out venturing to remove her glance
from his face
Mr., Wynkoop started "Oh, exactly;
l had forgotten my mission. He has
requested an introduction" He drew
the lieutenant forward. Lieut. Brant,
Miss Spencer"
The officer bowed, slight shadow
of disappointment in his eyes. The
lady was unquestionably attractive,
her face animated, her reception most
cordial, yet she was not the maiden of
the dark, fathomless eyes and the
wealth Of auburn hair
such a pleasure to meet you" ex-
claimed Miss Spencer. DO you know,
lieutenant, that actually | have never
before had the privilege of meeting
an officer of the army. Your appear
ance supplies the one touch of color
that was lacking to make the picture
complete. Mr.. Moffat has done so
much to make me realize the breadth
of western experience, and now, ! do
so hope, you will some time find oppor-
tunity to recount to me some of your
army exploits
The lieutenant smiled. Most glad
ly; yet just now, | confess, the music
invites me, and / am sufficiently bold
to request your company upon the
floor"
Miss Spencer sighed regretfully.
Why really, Lieut. Brant, scarcely
see how | possibly can. | have al
ready refused so many this evening,
and now l almost believe | must be
under direct obligation to some one
of those gentlemen. Still" hesitating-
~, your being a total stranger here
must be taken into consideration. Mr..
Moffat, Mr. Mcneil, MI Mason, surely
you will grant me release this once?"
There was no verbal response to the
appeal, only an uneasy movement; but
her period Of waiting was extremely
brief
oh, l knew you would; you have
all been so kind and considerate."
She arose, resting her daintily gloved
hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her
pleased eyes smiling up confdingly
into his. Then with a charming smile,
oh, Mr.. Wynkoop, l have decided to
claim your escort to supper. You do
not care?"
Wynkoop bowed, his face like a
poppy.
Il thought you would not mind oblig.
ing me in this. Come, lieutenant"
Miss Spencer, when she desired to
be, was most vivacious companion,
and always an excellent dancer Brant
easily succumbed to her sway, and be-
came, for the time being, a victim to
her charms. To Brant the experience
brought back fond memories Of his
last cadet ball at the Point, and he
hesitated to break the mystic spell
with abrupt questioning. Curiosity,
however, finally mastered his reti.
cence.
Miss Spencer" he asked. may |
inquire if you possess such phenome-
non as star pupil?"
The lady laughed merrily, but her
expression became somewhat puzzled.
Really, what a very strange question!
Why, not unless IT might be little
Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use
the longest words | ever heard of out
side dictionary. Why. may l ask?
Are you especially interested in prod
igies?"
"Oh, not in the least; certainly not
in little Sammy Worrell. The person
l had reference to chances 10 be a
young woman, having dark eyes. and
wealth of auburn hair. We met quite
by accident, and the sole clew | now
possess TO her identity is a claim she
advanced TO being your star pupil"
Miss Spencer sighed somewhat re-
gretfully, and her eyes fell. Il fear
IL must have been Nadia, from your
description. But she is scarcely more
than a child. Surely lieutenant. II
cannot be possible that you have be.
come interested in herr"
He smiled pleasantly. AT least rs.
is she not? was somewhat impressed
with her evident originality and hoped
to renew our slight acouaintanceship