The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1907-10-24


you should feel grateful to him, but
not why you should thus consent to
meet with him clandestinely"
He could not see the deep flush upon
her cheeks. but he was not deaf to the
pitiful falter in her voice.
Because he has been good and true
to me" she explained, frankly. bet
ter than anybody else in all the world
I don't care what you say, you and
those others who do not know him,
but | believe in him; | think he is a
man. They won't let me see him. the
Herndons, nor permit him to come to
tue house. He has not been in Glen
caid for two years, until yesterday.
The Indian rising has driven all the
miners out from the Black Range, and
he came down here for no other pur-
pose than to get a glimpse Of me, Gnd
learn how l was getting on. II saw
him over at the hotel just for a mo-
ment-Mrs. Guffy handed me a note
and II had only just left him when l
encountered you at the door. | wanted
to see him again, to talk with him
longer, but l couldn't manage to get
away from you, and | didn't know
what to do. There, I've told it all; do
you really think l am so very bad, be-
cause-because l like Bob Hampton ?"
He stood moment completely non
plussed, yet compelled to answer
Il certainly have no right TO ques-
ton your motives" he said, at last,
and l believe your purposes to be
above reprOach. l wish ! might give
the same credit to this man Hampton.
But, Miss Nadia, the world does not
often consent to judge US by our own
estimation Of right and wrong; it pre-
fers to place its own Interpretation on
acts, ard thus often condemns the in
nocent. Others might not see this as
| do. nor have such unquestioning faith
in YOU"
81 know" she admitted, stubbornly,
but | wanted to see him; l have been
so lonely for him, and this was the
only possible way"
Brant felt a wave of uncomfortable
sympathy sweep across him, even
while he was beginning to hate this
man, who, he felt, had stolen a pas
sage into the innocent heart of a girl
not half his age, one knowing little of
the ways of the world.
May | walk beside you until you
meet him." he asked.
You will not quarrel?"
NO; at least not through any fault
Of mine"
A few steps in the moonlight and
she again took his arm, although they
scarcely spoke. At the bridge she
withdrew her hand and uttered pecu-
liar call, and Hampton stepped forth
from the concealing bushes, his head
bare, his hat in his hand.
Il scarcely thought it could be you, -
he said, seemingly not altogether sat
isfied, as you were accompanied by
another"
The younger man took single step
forward, his uniform showing in the
moonlight Miss ellis will inform
you later why l am here" he said,
striving to speak ciyilly. You and l,
however, have met before am Lieut..
Brant, of the Seventh cavalry
Hampton bowed, his manner some
what stiff and formal, his face impen-
etrable.
Il should have left Miss ellis pre-
vious to her meeting with you, Brant
continued. but | desired to request
the privilege Of calling upon you to-
morrow for a brief interview"
With pleasure"
Shall it be at ten?"
The hour is perfectly satisfactory,
You will find me at the hotel
You place me under obligations, "
said Brant, and turned toward the
wondering girl Il will now say good
night, Miss ellis, and | promise to re
member only the pleasant events Of
this evening
Their hands met for an instant OF
warm pressure, and then the two left
behind stood mOtionless and watched
him striding along the moOnlit road.
SYNOPSIS.