Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1907-12-28

to discourage her enthusiasm"
"Oh, see. Would you mind telling
me the names of the two gentlemen?"
Mr. John Moffat and Mr.. William
Mcneil. Unfortunately. know neither
personally"
And the young lady
"A Miss Phoebe Spencer; she has
but lately arrived from the east to
take charge of our new school, most
interesting and charming young wom-
an, and she is proving of great assist
ance to me in church work.
The. lieutenant cleared his throat
and emitted sigh of suddenly awak-
ened memory. 81 fear can offer you
no advice, for If, as begin to suspect,
though she sought most bravely to
avoid the issue and dispatch me upon
false trail,-she prove to be that
same fascinating young person I met
this morning, my entire sympathies
are with the gentlemen concerned.
might even be strongly tempted to do
likewise at her solicitation
You? Why, you arrived only this
morning, and do you mean to say you
have met already?"
Il at least suspect as much, for
there can scarcely exist two in this
town who will fill the description. My
memory holds the vision of a fair
young face, vivacious, ever changing
in it's expression, yet constantly both
piquant and innocent; perfect wealth
of hair, pair of serious eyes hiding
mysteries within their depths, and lips
which seem made to kiss. Tell me, is
not this fairly drawn portrait of
your Miss Spencer?''
The minister gripped his hands ner-
vously together. your description is
not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate
from a mere outer point of view, yet
beneath her vivacious manner 1 have
found her thoughtful, and possessed of
deep spiritual yearnings. In the east
she was a communicate of the Episco-
pal church.
Brant did not answer him at once.
He was studying the minister's down
cast face; but when the latter finally
turned to depart, he inquired, do you
expect to attend the reception to-mor-
row evening"
Wynkoop stammered slightly. Il
could hardly refuse under the circum-
stances; the committee. sent me an
especially urgent invitation, and 1 I'M
derstand there is to be no dancing I'M
til late. One cannot be too straight
laced out here
''Oh, never mind apologizing. 1 see
no reason why you need hesitate to at
tend. 1 merely wondered if you could
procure me an invitation
Did she tell you about it?''
We'll, she delicate1y limited at it,
and, you know, things are pretty slow
here in a social way. She merely sug
gested that 1 might possibly meet her
again there"
.'Of course; it is given in her honor"
so 1 understood, although she
sought to deceive me into the belief
that she was not the lady. We met
purely by accident, you understand,
and 1 am DESTROYS of a more formal
presentation
The minister drew in his breath
sharply, but the clasp of his extended
hand was not devoid of warmth. Il
will have a card of invitation sent you
at the camp. The committee will be
very glad of your presence; only
warn you frankly regarding the lady,
that competition will be strong"
'Oh, SO far as that is concerned I
have not yet entered the running"
laughed Brant, in affected careless
ness, although 1 must confess my
sporting proclivities are somewhat
aroused"
He watched the minister walking
rapidly away, short, erect figure, ap-
pearing slender in his severely cut
black cloth. Poor little chap he
muttered, regretfully. Hes hard hit.
Still, they say all's fair in love and
war"
CHAPTER XIV.