The Yale expositor., 1907-12-27
CHAPTER xIV.-continued.

CHAPTER xlV.-Continued.
Lieut.. Brant was somewhat delayed
in reaching the scene. Certain mill
tary requirements were largely re-
sponsible for this delay, and he had
patiently wrestled with an unsatisfac-
tory toilet, mentally eXcoriating a
service which would not permit the
transportation of dress uniforms while
on scouting detail.
The dance was already in full swing
when he finally pushed his way
through the idle loungers gathered
about the door and gained entrance to
the hall. Many glanced curiously at
him, attracted by the glitter of his uni
form, but he recognized none among
them, and therefore passed steadily
toward the musicians stand, where
there appeared to be a few unoccu-
pied chairs.
The scene was one of color and ac-
ton He watched the speeding fig
ures, striving to distinguish the par
ticuar 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
on his memory. Yet surely she must
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 a lady of somewhat
rounded charms, and picked his way
in their direction.
The missionary, who, i'm truth, had
been hiding an agoniZed heart behind
a smiling face, was only too delighted
at any excuse which would enable him
10 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 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.
"Ah!" he calculated, lat 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
10 your niece"
They slipped past the musicians
stand, and the missionary pressed il
through the ring of admirers.
why. Mr.. Wynkoop!" and she ex
tended both hands impulsively. "AnC
only to think, you have never once
been near me all this evening! YoI
don't know how much ! have missed
you. | was just saying to Mr.. Moffa
or it might have ben Mr.. Mcneil
that | was completely tired out anC
wished you were here to sit out thi;
dance with me-"
Wynkoop blushed and forgot thu
errand which had brought him there
but she remained sufficiently cool an,
observant. She touched him gent.
with her hand.
"Who is that fine-looking young off
cer?" she questioned softly. yet with
out venturing to remove her glanc
from his face.
Mr.. Wynkoop started. "Oh. exactly
/ had forgotten my mission. He ha
requested an introduction He dreN
the lieutenant forward. Lieut.. Brant
Miss Spencer"
The officer bowed a slight shadoN
of disappointment in his eyes. Tn
lady was unquestionably attractiv,
her face animated, her reception mos
cordial, yet she was not the maiden c
the dark. fathomless eyes ano th
wealth of auburn hair.
such a pleasure TO meet you, 81
claimed Miss Spencer DO you know
lieutenant, that actually 1 have neve
before had the privilege Of meetin
an officer of the army. Yc1r apDea