Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-03
CHAPTER XIV.
An Unusual Girl.

The girl wRs without wraps, her
dress of some light, feecy material
fitting 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,
bowling as he did SO.
81 beg your pardon for such seeming
rudeness," he said, grayely. Il have
been seeking you all the evening, yet
this unexpected meeting caught me
quite unavIares."
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. 1t
would SEEM however that fate makes
our meetings informal"
THAT is your fault, not mine"
81 gladly assume all responsibility,
if you will only waive the formality
anu accept my lilSuuSulp.
Her face seemed to tighten, while
her lips t,xitched as If SURPRISING
smile. you are very forgetful. Did
not tell you that we Presbyterians are
never guilty Of such indiscretions?'
Il believe you did, but l 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 compliment, fear"
yet to my mind it may prove the
very highest type Sf compliment he
returned, treasured by her manner.
For certain degree of independence
in both thought and action is highly
commendable. Indeed, am going to
be bold enough to add that it was
these very attributes that awakened
my interest in you.
ooh, indeed you cause me to blush
already My frankness, | fear, bids
fair to cost me all my friends, and
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 l 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 l do agree" she said, extend
ing her hand in a girlish impulse. ut
will, at least be new experience and
therefore worth the trial. | will even
endeavor 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
to return to the hall?"
She shook her head positively. "a
cheap, gaudy show, all buster and
vulgarity Even the dancing is mere
parody. I 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-
manned in silence, and he could hear
her breathing.
Have you truly been at the hall
she questioned. "or were you merely
fbbing to awaken my INTEREST,"?
II truly have been" he answered,
land actually have danced measure
with the fair guest of the evening"
with Phoebe Spencer! And yet
you dare pretend now to retain an in
terest in me? Lieut.. Brant, you must
be most talented 1eceiyer, or else
/ the strangast person ever met. Such
miracle has never occurred before.
Well it has certainly occurred
now; nor am in this any vain de-