The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1907-09-21

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 just
closed, and, in response to the voice
within, opened it. Hampton sat upon
the chair by the window, but as his
eyes caught glimpse Of the returned
soldier with a 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, a great
adnimr 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.
I am Nadia Gilliss most particular
friend, and she tells me SO much
ABOUT you. She is such dear, sweet
girl! She felt so badly this morning
over your meeting with Lieut.. Brant,
fearing you might quarrel! 1t was
such relief to find him unhurt, but
felt that l must see you also, so as
to relieve Naida's mind entirely
Il most certainly appreciate your
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 this
community to whom my peculiar mer-
its are apparent.
Miss Spencer sparkled instantly
her cheeks rosy. Il do wish you
would some time tell me about your
exploits. Why, Mr.. Hampton, perhaps
If you were to call upon me- you might
see Nadia, too. l wish you knew Mr..
Moffat, but as you don't, perhaps you
might come with Lieut.. Brant."
Hampton bowed 81 would hardly
venture thus to place myself under
the protection Of Lieut.. Brant, al
though l must confess the former at
fractions of the Herndon home are
now greatly increased. From my
slight knowledge of Mr.. Moffat's capa-
bilities, l fear I should be found a
rather Indifferent entertainer; yet I
sincerely hope we shall meet again at
a time when can a tale unfold
How nice that will be, and am so
grateful to you for the promise. By
the bye, only this very morning a man
stopped me on the street, actually
installing me for Nadia"
What sort Of looking man, Miss
Spencer"
Large, and heavily set, with red
beard. He was exceedingly polite
when informed of his mistake, and
said he merely had a message to de-
liver to Miss ellis. But he refused to
tell it to me-"
The glances Of the two men met
but Brant was unable to decipher the
meaning hidden within the gray eyes
Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer, new
er realizing what her chatter meant
ratified merrily on.
You see there are so many who
speak to me now, because Of my pub
lie position here. So thought moth
ing strange at first, until discovered
his mistake, and then it seemed so alb
surd that. nearly laughed outright
Isn't it odd what such man could
possibly want with her? But really
gentlemen, I must return with my
news; Nadia will be so anxious. / am
glad to have met you BOTH
Hampton bowed politely. and Brant
conducted her silently down the stair
way. Il greatly regret not being able
to accompany you home" he explain
ed, "but I came down on horseback
and my duty requires that return at
once to the camp"
ooh, indeed! how very unfortunate
for mel" Even as she said so. some
unexpected vision beyond flushed he1
cheeks prettily. why, Mr. Wynkoop,'
she exclaimed, II am SO glad you hap
pened along, and going my way. too
l am sure. Good morning. Lieutenant;
shall feel perfectly safe with Mr.
Wynkoop."
CHAPTER XIX.
. The Door Opens, and Closes Again