Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-08
CHAPTER XVIII.
A 0lioht lntoyruotIon.

The young officer passed slowly
down the dark staircase, his mind still
bewildered by the result of the inter
view. His feelings toward Hampton
hail been materially changed. He
found 1t impossible to nurse dislike
which seemingly had no real cause for
existence.
Yet Brant was far from being salts.
flei. Hampton had not even advanc.
ed q direct claim; he had lodged the
re;l issue, leaving the soldier in the
dark regarding his relationship to
Nadia, and erecting a barrier between
the other tyo. 1t was masterpiece
of defense. pulling. irritating, seem
inisly impossible. From the consid
GRAFTON of 1t all, Brant emerged with
but one thought clearly defined-who
ever she might prove to be, whatever
was her present connection with
Hampton, he loved this dark-eyed. au
,b,lrn-haired waif. He knew 1t now
and never again could he doubt it. He
pslused, half inclined to retrace his
steps and have the matter out. He
turned just in time to face dazzling
vision Of FUZZY lace and nossy hair
beside him in the dimly lighted hall.
"Oh. Lieutenant Brant!" and the
vision chung to his arm tenderly. 1T
is such relief to find that you are
unhurt. Did-did you kill him?"
Brant stared. IL fear scarcely
coupohepd Misu Snoncer have COR.
tslinly taken no ones life. What can
you meant"
ooh, am so glad; and Mazda will
be, 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 q mysterious
character"
ITO whom do you refer! Really.
am quite in the dark"
why, Mr.. Hampton, Of course. oh,
/ know all about it. MAZDA felt so bad
ly over your meeting this morning
that 1 Just compelled her to confide
her whole story to me. And didn't
you fight at all?"
Most assuredly not" and Brant's
eyes began to exhibit amusement; IN
deed, we parted quite friendly"
II told MAZDA thought you would.
People don't take such things so seri-
ously nowadays, do they? But Nadia
is such child and so full Of romantic
notions, that she worried terribly
about it. Isn't It perfectly delightful
what he is going to do for herr"
II am sure I do not know"
"Why, hadn't you heard? He wants
TO send her east to q boarding school
and give her a fine education. Do you
know, Lieutenant, l am simply dying
to see him? he is such perfectly
splendid western character.
ut would afford me pleasure to pre-
sent you," and the soldiers downcast
face frightened with anticipation.
"Do-do you really think 1t would
be proper? But they do things SO diff
ferently out here, don't they? oh,
wish you would"
Feeling somewhat doubtful as to
what might be the result, Brant
knocked upon the door he had just
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 a woman standing beside
him, he instantly rose to his feet.
"Mr. Hampton" said Brant. Il trust
I may be pardoned for again troubling
you, but this is Miss Spencer, great
admirsr 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