Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-10-18


7 on your hat for"
The number Of my regiment the
Seventh cavalry"
Her glance was a bit disdainful as
she coolly surveyed him from head to
foot. Il should imagine that strong.
capable appearing fellow like you
might do much better than that. There
is so much work in the world worth
doing, and so much better pay"
What do you mean? Isn't a SOL
dier's life q worthy one?"
"Oh, yes, Of course, in way. We
have to have soldiers, ! suppose; but
II / were a man I'd hate to waste all
my life tramping around at SIS a
month"
He smothered what sounded like a
rough ejaculation, gazing into her de-
mure eyes as II he strongly suspected
a joke hid in their depths. "Do-do
you mistake me for an enlisted mani"
"Oh, ] didn't know; you said you
were soldier, and that's what ! al.
ways heard they got. ] am so glad II
they give you more. ] was only going
to say that believed could get you
a good place In McCarthy's store II
you wanted It He pays ;65 and his
clerk has just left"
Brant stared at her with open
mouth, totally unable for the moment
to decide whether or not that limo
cent, sympathetic face masked mis-
chief. Before he succeeded in regain
ing confidence and speech, she had
risen to her feet, holding back her
skirt with one hand.
Really, / must co." she announced
calmly, drawing back toward the slight
opening between the bushes. NO
doubt you have done fully as we'll as
you could, considering your position
In life; but this has proved another
disappointment. You have fallen, far,
very far, below my ideal Good-by."
He sprang instantly erect, his cheeks
flushed. Please don't 60 without a
further word. We seem predestined
to misunderstood. l am even willing
to confess myself a fool in the hope
Of some time being able to convince
you otherwise. You have not even
told me that you live here; nor do !
know your name"
She shook her head positively, re-
pressed merriment darkening her eyes
and wrinkling the corners Of her
mouth. 1T would be highly improper
to introduce myself to a stranger
we Presbyterians never do that"
But do you feel no curiosity as to
who l may be-"
why, not in the least; the thought
is ridiculous. How very conceited you
must be to imagine such a thing"
He was not a man easily daunted,
nor did he recall any previous EN-.
barrassment in the presence Of a
young woman. But now he confronted
something utterly unique; those quiet
eyes seemed to look straight through
him. His voice faltered sadly, yet
succeeded in asking: Are We, then,
never to meet again? Am l to under.
stand this to be your wish?"
She laughed. Really, sir, I am not
aware that | have the slightest desire
in the matter. l have given it nc
thought, but presume the possibility
Of our meeting again depends largely
upon yourself, and the sort Of society
you keep. Surely you cannot expect
that | would seek such an opportu
nity?"
He bowed humbly. you mistake
my purpose. l merely meant to ask
II there was not some possibility oil
our again coming together socially-in
the presence of mutual friends"
"Oh, scarcely think so; | do not re
member ever having met any soldiers
at the social functions here-except
ing officers. We are extremely ex
elusive in Glencaid," she dropped him
a hooking courtesy, land ! have al
ways moved in the most exclusive
set"
Piqued by her tantalizing manner
he asked, What particular social
functions are about to occur that may
possibly open passage into your
guarded presence"
She seemed immersed in thought
her face turned partially aside. "Un
fortunately, l have rot my list of en-
gagements here" and she glanced
about at him shyly. 81 can recall only
one at present, and am not even Ger
tain-that is, do not promise-to at
tend that. However, | may do so
The Miners Bachelor club gives a re
ception and ball tomorrow evening in
honor of the new schoolmistress."
What is her name?" with respon
sive eagerness.
She hesitated, as if doubtful Of the
strict propriety Of mentioning it to a
stranger.
Miss Phoebe Spencer" she said
her eyes cast demurely down.
"Ah!" he exclaimed, in open tri
umph; "and have |, then, at last made
fair capture of your secret? You are
Miss Phoebe Spencer"
She drew back still farther within
the recesses of the bushes, at his sin
gle victorious step forward.
81? Why certainly not. / am mere