Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-10

can have been acting again?'
II? Certainly mott" and she made
no attempt to hide her Indignation.
What do you mean?"
He hesitated an instant in HE re-
ply, feeling that possibly he was
treading upon thin ice But her eyes
commanded a direct answer, and he
yielded to them.
I'VE were informed that you expe-
rienced great anxiety for fear we
might quarrel-so great, indeed, that
you had confided your troubles to an
other
"To whom?"
Miss Spencer. She came to us os-
tensibly in your name, and as peace
maker"
For moment she sat gazing direct
ly at him, then she laughed softly.
Why, how supremely ridiculous; l
can hardly believe 1t true, only your
face tells me you certainly are not
in play Lieut.. Brant, have never
even dreamed of such thing. You
had informed me that your mission
was one of peace, and he pledged me
his word not to permit any quarrel
/ had the utmost confidence in you
both"
How, then, did she even know OF
our meeting?"
Il am entirely in the dark. as mys-
titled SIS you" she acknowledged,
frankly, "for it has certainly never
been a, habit with me to betray the
confidence of my friends, and learn
ed long since not to conf1de secrets to
Miss Spencer"
Apparently neither cared to discuss
the problem longer, yet he remained
silent considering those questions
which might decide his fate
"You speak OF your confidence in
us both" he said, slowly. ITO me
the complete trust you repose in Mr..
Hampton is scarcely comprehensive.
Do you truly believe in his reform?"
Certainly. Don't you?"
The direct return question served
to nettle and confuse him. ut is,
perhaps, not my place to say, as my
future happiness does not directly de-
pend ON the permanence Of his
reformation. But if his word can be
depended upon. your happiness to q
very large extent does"
She bowed II have no doubt you
can safely repose confidence in what
ever he may have told you regarding
me-"
You indorse, then, the claims he
advances?"
You are very insistent; yet I
know Of no good reason why should
not answer. Without at all knowing
the nature of those claims to which
you refer. I have no hesitancy in say
ing that possess such complete con-
f1dence in Bob Hampton as to reply
unreservedly yes. But really, Lieut..
Brant, I should prefer talking upon
some other topic. 1t is evident that
you two gentlemen are not friendly,
yet there is no reason why any mis-
understanding between you should in
terfere with our friendship, is there? 2"
She asked this question with such
perfect innocence that BYant believed
she failed to comprehend Hampton's
claims.
Il have been informed that it must"
he explained. II have been told that
was no longer to force my attentions
upon Miss Gillis."
Hpv pnh uomnfon2D
yes. Those were, believe, his ex-
est words. Can you wonder that I
hardly know how stand in your
sight?''
Il do not at all understand" she
faltered. Truly, Lieut.. Brant, do
not. [ feel that Mr. Hampton would
not say that without good and suf-
fic1ent reason. He is not man to
be swayed by prejudice; yet, what
ever the reason may be, know moth
ing about it"
"But you do not answer my last
query"
Perhaps I did not hear It."
1T was: How do l stand in your
lance to me now than any unauthor-
lied command from Mr. Hampton"
She glanced up into his serious face
shyly, with little dimple Of returning
laughter. Indeed; but perhaps he
might not care to have me say How
ever, as I once Informed you that you
were very far from being my ideal,
possibly it may be my duty to qualify
that harsh statement somewhat"
"By confessing that l am your
ideal?"
ooh, indeed, no! We never realize
our ideals, you know, or else they
would entirely cease to be ideals. My
confession is limited to mere admis-
sion that now consider you very
pleasant young gentleman"
"You offer me stone when l cry
unto your for bread" he exclaimed.
1.-The world is filled with pleasant
young men. They are drug on the
market. l beg some special distinc-
ton, some different classification in
your eyes"
'AYou are becoming quite hard to
please her face turned partially
away. her look meditaative, "and-
and dictatorial; but / will try. You
are intelligent. a splendid dancer,
fairly good looking, rather bright at
times and M doubt would DrOye