Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1907-11-29
CHAPTER XVIII.
A Slight Interruption.


mad been materially changed. He
found it impossible to nurse a dislike
which seemingly had no real cause for
existence.
YET Brant was far from being salts
ned. Hampton had not even advanc.
ed a direct claim; he had lodged the
real issue, leaving the soldier in the
oarK regarding his relationship to
Nadia, and erecting barrier between
the other two. 1t was a masterpiece
OF defense, puzzling, irritating, seem.
lngiy impossible. From the consid-
GRAFTON OF it all, Brant emerged with
out one thought clearly defned-who.
ever she might prove to be, whatever
was her present connection with
hampton, ne loved this dark-eyed, au.
ourn-haired wait. He knew it now.
and never again could he doubt it. He
paused, half inclined to retrace his
steps and have the matter out. He
turned Just in time to face dazzling
vision Of fluffy lace and flossy hair
beside him in the dimly lighted hall
On, Lieutenant Brantl" and the
vision chung to his arm tenderly. TT
Is such a relief to find that you are
unhurt. Did-did you kill him."
Brant stared. II fear scarcely
comprehend, Miss Spencer. have Ger.
tainly taken no ones life. What can
you mean?"
oh, am so glad; and Nadia will
De, too. l must go right back and tell
the poor girl, for she is nearly dis.
tracted. Oh, Lieutenant, isn't it the
most romantic situation that ever
was? And he is such a mysterious
character"
ITO whom do you refer? Really. l
am quite in the dark"
why, Mr.. Hampton, of course. Oh.
know all about it. Nadia felt so bad.
ly over your meeting this morning
that just compelled her to confide
her whole story to me. And didn't
you fight at all?"
, Most assuredly not" and Brants
eyes began to exhibit amusement; an.
deed, we parted quite friendly"
I told Nadia l thought you would.
People don't take such things so seri.
ously nowadays, do they? But Nadia
is such a child and so full of romantic
notions, that she worried terribly
about it. Isn't it perfectly delightful
what ne is going to do for her."
81 am sure l do not know"
why, hadn't you heard? He wants
to send her east to boarding school
and give her fine education. Do you
O know, Lieutenant, l am simply dying
to see him? he is such a perfectly
splendid western character.
1T would afford me pleasure to pre-
sent you" and the soldiers downcast
face frightened with anticipation.
"Do-do you really think it would
be proper? But they do things so diff
ferently out here, don't they? Oh. I
wish you would"
Feeling somewhat doubtful as to
what might be the result, Brant
Knocked upon the door he had lust
closed, and, in response to the voice
within, opened 1t. Hampton sat upon
the chair by the window, but as his
eyes caught a glimpse of the returned
soldier with woman standing beside
him, he instantly rose to his feet.
Mr.. Hampton" said Brant, 81 trust
/ may be pardoned for again troubling
you, but this is Miss Spencer, great
admirer of western life, who is desir-
Gus of making your acquaintance"
Miss Spencer swept gracefully for
ward, her cheeks flushed, her hand ex.
tended. "Oh, Mr.. Hampton, have so
wished to meet with you ever since /
first read your name in Aunt Lydia's
letters-Mrs. Herndon is my aunt, you
know-and all about that awful time
you had with those Indians. You see,
/ am Nadia Gillis's most particular
friend, and she tells me so much
about you. She is such a dear, sweet
girl! She felt so badly this morning
over your meeting with Lieut.. Brant
fearing you might quarrel! It was
such relief to find him unhurt, but
felt that l must see you also, so az
to relieve Naida's mind entirely"
II most certainly appreciate YOU
frankly expressed interest, Miss Spen
GER" he said, standing with her hand
still retained In his, "and am exceed
ingly glad there is one residing in thi!
community to whom my peculiar mer
its are apparent"
Miss Spencer sparkled instantly
her cheeks rosy. 81 do wish you
would some time tell me about you
exploits. Why, Mr.. Hampton, perhaps
9 II you were to call upon me, you nigh
see Mazda, too. wish you knew MI
koffat, but as you don't, perhaps yo1
might come with Lieut.. Brant."
Hampton bowed. 81 would hardl,
venture thus to place myself unde
the protection Of Lieut.. Brant, a
though must confess the former al
fractions Of the Herndon home ar
now greatly increased. From m
slight knowledge Of Mr.. Moffats caps
bilities, / fear l should be found
rather Indifferent entertainer; yet
sincerely hope we shall meet again 9
time when ] can q tale unfold"