The Roswell daily record. [volume] (Roswell, N.M.) 1903-current, 1907-08-19

toward the musicians stand, where
there appeared - be a few unoccu
pied chairs.
The scene was one of color and &C.
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
on his 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, in truth, had
been hiding an agonized heart behind
a 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
tanner.
why, most assured1y, my deal sir,
most a~ssuredly," 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.
"Ah!" he calculated, "at last 1 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 1 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 1 have missed
you. 1 was just saying to Mr.. Moffat
or it might have ben Mr.. Mcneil
that l was completely tired out and
wished you were here to sit out his
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 fine-looking young Off
cer?" she questioned softly, yet with
out venturing to remove her glance
from his face.
Mr.. Wynkoop started. ooh, exactly;
1 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, he reception most
cordial, yet she was not the maiden of
the dark, fathomless Eye and the
wealth of auburn hair.
"Such a pleasure to meet you" ex-
claimed Miss Spencer. DO you know,
lieutenant, that actually 1 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 max the picture
complete. Mr.. Moffat has done SO
much to make me realize the breadth
of western experience, and now, l do
so hope, you will some time find oppor-
tunity to recount to me some of your
army exploits" y
The lieutenant smiled. Most glad
ly; yet just now, l confess, the music
invites me, and / am sufficiently bold
to request your company upon tia
floor"
Miss Spencer sighed regretfulfy.
why, really, Lieut.. Brant, I scarcely
see how 1 possibly can. I have al
ready refused so many this evening,
and now I almost believe ! must be
under direct obligation to some one
of those gentlemen. Still" hesitat1ng-
ly, your being a total stranger here
must be taken into consideration. Mr..
Mofat, 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
brief.
"Oh, 1 knew you would; you have
all been so kind and considerable
She arose, resting her daintily gloved
hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her
pleased eyes smiling up c~onfidingly
into his Then with a charming smile.
ooh, Mr.. Wynkoop, I hav decided to
claim your escort to supper. You do
not care?"
wynkoop bowed. his face like n
poppy.
.1 thought you would not mind oblig.
ing me in this Come, lieutenant"
Miss Spencer, when h desired to
be, was n most vivacious companion.
and always an excellent lancer. Brant
easily succumbed to her sway, and be
came, for the time being. q victim to
her charms. To Brant he experience
brought back fond memories OF his
last cadet ball mt the Point, and he
hesitated to break the mystic spell
with abrupt questioning Curiosity
however. finally mastered his rett-
cence-
KISS Spencer" he asked may ]
inquire IL you possess such q phenome
non as : star Rup11s -@