Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-11-08
CHAPTER XIV.
An Unusual Girl,

The girl was without wraps, her
dress Of some light, feecy material
atdng her slender figure exquisitely,
her head uncovered; within her eyes
Brant imagined he could detect the
CLINT Of tears. She spoke first, her
voice faltering slightly.
will you kindly permit me to
pass?"
He stepped instantly to one side,
bowing as he did so.
Il beg your pardon for such seeming
rudeness," he said gravely. 81 have
been seeking you all the evening, yet
this unexpected meeting caught me
quite unawares."
You have been seking me? That Is
strange. For what reason, pray?"
ITO achieve what you were once
kind enough to suggest as possible
the formality Of an introduction. It
would seem, however, that fate makes
our meetings informal"
THAT is your fault, not mine"
Il gladly assume all responsibility,
II you will only waive the formality
and accept my friendship"
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips twitched as If suppressing a
smile. You are very forgetful. Did l
not tell you that we Presbyterians are
never guilty of such indiscretions?"
Il believe you did, but | doubt your
complete surrender to the creed"
Doubt! Only our second time of
meeting and you already venture to
doubt! This can scarcely be construed
into a compliment, fear"
yet to my mind it may prove the
very highest type of compliment" he
returned, treasured by her manner.
For certain degree of independence
IN both thought and action is highly
commendable. Indeed, l am going to
% bold enough to add that 1t was
these very attributes that awakened
my interest in you"
"Oh, indeed; you cause me to blush
already. My frankness, | fear, bids
fair to cost me all my friends, and l
may even go beyond your pardon, if
the perverse spirit of my nature so
move me"
"The risk of such a catastrophe is
mine, and | would gladly dare that
much to get away from conventional
commonplace. One advantage of such
meetings as ours is an immediate in
sight into each others deeper nature.
For one shall sincerely rejoice if you
will permit the good fortune of our
chance meeting to be alone sponsor
for our future friendship. Will you
not say yes?"
She looked at him with greater
earnestness, her young face sobered
BY the words spoken. Whatever else
she may have seen revealed there, the
countenance bending slightly toward
her was serious, manly one, inspir.
Ing respect, awakening confidence.
And do agree" she said, extend.
Ing her hand in girlish impulse. 1T
Wlll. at least, be new experience and
therefore worth the trial. will even
andeavor to restrain my rebellious
spirit. so that you will not be unduly
shocked"
He laughed, now placed entirely at
his ease. Your need Of mercy is ap-
preciated, fair lady. Is It your desire
70 return to the hall?"
She shook her head positively. "A
cheap, gaudy show, all buster and
vulgarity. Even the dancing is a mere
parody. l early tired Of It."
Then let US choose the better part
and sit here on the bench, the night
our own"
He conducted her across the porch
to the darkest corner, where only riffs
Of light stole trembling in between the
shadowing vines, and there found con-
venient seats. A moment they re-
NAMED in silence, and he could hear
her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall"
she questioned, "or were you merely
hbblng to awaken my INTEREST,"
81 truly have 'been," he answered,
~and actually have danced a measure
with the fair guest of the evening"
with Phoebe Spencer! And vet
you dare pretend now to retain an in.
terest in me? Lieut., Brant, you must
be a most talented deceiver, or else
the strangest person ever met. Such
q miracle has never occurred before!"
well, it has certainly occurred
now: nor am | in this any vain de-
eaVer. l truly met Miss Spencer /
was the recipient of her most entranc-
iag smiles; l listened to her modu-
lated voice; l bore her of, a willing
captive, from a throng of despairing
admirers; l danced with her, gazing
down into her eyes, with her fluffy
hair brushing my cheek, yet resisted
al her charms and came forth think.
ing only of you"
Indeed? Your proof?"
He drew the white satin fan forth
nom his pocket, and held 1t out to-
yard her with mock humility. This,
unbeiieving princess. Dispatched BY
the fair lady In question to fetch this
beuble from the dressing-room, I for.
GOT my urgent errand in the sudden
delight Of finding you"
The case seems fully proved" abe
eaafsssed. laughinsiy, ~and h is sure
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