The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1907-08-09
CHAPTER XVI.


MAZDA danced twice together, the
young girls mood having apparently
1 Changed to one Of buoyant careless
happness, her dark eyes smiling, her
ltps uttestng freely whatever thought
came uppermost outwardly she pho
tnred the gay and merry spirit Of the
night, yet to Brant, already observing
her with the jealousy Of lover, she
appeared distract and restless, her af-
fectaIon of abandon mere mask to
her feelings. Perhaps these things
might have passed unnoted but for
their contrast with the late coniden-
tial chat.
He could not reconcile this sudden
change with what he believed of her.
1t was not carried out with the prae,
tced art Of one accustomed TO deceit
There must be something real inau'
encing her action. These misgiyings
burdened his mind even as he swung
lightly. with her TO the music, and they
talked together In little snatches.
The last two waltzes ended, they
walked slowly through the scattering
throng, he striving vainly to arouse
her to the former independence and
intimacy Of speech. Suddenly they
came face to face with Mrs. Herndon,
and Brant felt the girls arm twitch.
'I have been looking everywhere
! For Won Mazda Mrs. Herndon said, a
slight complaint in her voice. I'VE
were going home"
Nalda's cheeks redeemed painfully.
81 am so sorry II have kept you
waiting,. her words spoken with a
rush, "but-but, Lieut.. Brapt was In
tending to accompany me. We were
! Just starting for the cloakroom."
"oh, indeed" Mrs. Herndon's ex-
preston was noncomnittal, while her
eyes surveyed the lieutenant.
With your permission, Of course
he said.
Il hardly think l have any need to
interfere
They separated, the younger people
walking slowly, silently toward the
door. He held her arm, assisting her
10 descend the stairway, his lips muir
muring few commonplace, to which
she scarcely returned even monosyl.
Liable replies, although she frequently
dashed shy glances at his grave face.
Both realized that some explanation
was Forthcoming, yet neither was quite
prepared to force the issue.
Il have no wraps at the hotel" she
said, as he attempted TO turn that
way. THAT was lie also; let Is
walk directly down the road"
He INDUCED in no comment, his
eyes perceiving pathetic pleading in
her upturned face. Suddenly there
came to him belief that the girl was
CRYING; he could feel the slight tremor
of her form against his own. He
glanced furtively at her, only to catch
the glitter of a falling tear. To her
evident distress. his heart made In
slant and sympathetic response. With
all respect influencing the action. his
hand closed warmly over the smaller
one on his sleeve.
Little girl" he said, forgetting the
shortness Of their acquaintance in the
deep feeling Of the moment tell me
what the trouble is"
81 suppose you think me an awful
creature for saying that" she blurted
out, without looking up. 1T wasn't
| IadyIike or nice, but-but l simply
couldn't help It, Lieut.. Brant."
You mean your sudden determine
ton to carry me home with you?" he
asked, relieved to think this might
| prove the entire difficulty. Don't let
| that worry You. Why, am simply re-
joiced at being permitted to go. Do
YOU know, l wanted to request the
| privilege all the time We were dancing
together. But you acted so differently
| from when We we're beneath the vines
that actually lost my nerve"
She looked up and he caught feet
ing glimpse into her unveiled eyes.
81 did not wish you to ask me"
What" He stopped suddenly.
why, then, did you make such an an.
uouncement to Mrs. Herndon?"
"oh, that was different" she ex-
planned, uneasily. 81 had to do that;
had to trust you to help me out, but
but really wanted to go home
alone"
He swept his unbelieviug eyes
around over the deserted night scene,
not knowing what answer to return to
so strange an avowal. Was that what
caused you to appear so distant to me
in the hall, so vastly different from
what you had been beiore?"
She nodded, but with her gaze still
upon the ground.
Miss Nadia" he said, ut would be
cowardly for me to attempt to dodge
this issue between US. Is It because
you do lot like me?"
She looked up quickly, the moon
light revealing her flushed face.
"oh, no, no! you must never think
that. told you was girl of moods:
under those vines had one mood, in
the hall another. Cannot you under
stand?"
Very little" he admitted, for am
more inclined to believe you are the
possessor Of strong will than that
4 -, - ,r,o,.o5 ~, r,oodS TiGtan II