Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-02

miss Spencer, May ! inquire " You
Possess Such 4 Phenomenon az
star PupiI?"
toward the musicians stand, where
there appeared to be . few unoccu-
pied chairs.
The, scene was one Of color and ac-
ton. He watched the speeding fig
ures, striving to distinguish the par
ticular one whose charms had lured
him thither. But among them all he
was unable to distinguish the wood
nymph whose girlish frankness and
grace had left so deep an impression
be present, for. to his understanding,
this whole gay festival was in her
honor. Directly across the room he
caught sight of Rev. Mr.. Wynkoop
conversing with lady Of somewhat
rounded charms, and picked his way
in their direction.
The, missionary, who, In truth. had
been hiding an agonized heart behind
smiling face, was only too delighted
at any excuse which would enable him
to approach Miss Spencer, and press
aside those cavaliers who were mo-
nopolizing her attention. The handi-
cap of not being able to dance he felt
to be heavy, and he greeted the lieu
tenant with unusual heartiness Of
manner.
why, most assuredly, my dear sir,
most assuredly," he said. Mrs. Hern-
don, permit me to make you acquaint-
ed with Lieut. Brant of the Seventh
cavalry"
The two, thus introduced, bowed and
exchanged a few words, while Mr..
Wynkoop busted himself in peering
about the room, making a great pre-
tense at searching out the lady guest.
who, in very truth, had scarcely been
absent from his sight during the en-
tire evening.
"Atl!" 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 have
promised Lieut.. Brant a presentation
to 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 we're 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 flne-looking young off,
cer?" she questioned softly, yet with
out venturing to remove her glance
from his face.
Mr.. Wynkoop started. ooh, exactly;
I had forgotten my mission. He has
requested an introduction" He drew
the lieutenant forward. Lieut.. Brant,
Miss Spencer"
The officer bowed, a 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 l 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 fad oppor-
tunitv to recount to me some Of your
army exploits"
The lieutenant smiled. Most glad
ly; yet just now, | confess. the music
invites me. and l am sufficiently bold
to request your company upon the
floor"
Miss Spencer sighed regretfully.
why, really, Lieut.. Brant, scarcely
see how l possibly can. I have al
ready refused SO many this evening.
and now l almost believe l must be
under direct obligation to some one
OF those gentlemen. STILL" hesitating-
ly, your being total stranger here
must be taken into consideration. MIR.
Moffa.t, Mr.. Mcneil, Mr.. 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
briefs
oh 1 kpsM you .Hould..xou have