Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-16
CHAPTER K.
A Slight INTERRUPTION.


The young officer passed slowly down the
dark staircase, his mind still bewildered by
the result of the interview. His feelings
toward Hampton had been materially
changed. He found 1t impossible to nurse
| a dislike which seemingly had no real cause
for existence. He began besides to COM
prehend something of the secret of his In
fuence over Nadia; even to experience him
self the power of that dominating spirit.
Out of controversy feeling of respect had
been born.
Yet Brant was far from being satisfied.
Little by little he realized that he had
gained nothing, learned nothing. Hampton
had not even advanced direct claim; he
had lodged the real issue, leaving the SOL
der In the dark regarding his relationship
to Nadia, and erecting barrier between
the other two. 1t was masterpiece of de-
Tense. puzzling, irritating, seemingly i'm
passable. From the consideration of it all,
Brant emerged without one thought clearly
defined-whoewer she might prove to be.
whatever was her present connection with
Hampton, he loved this dark-eyed, auburn
haired waif. He knew 1t now. and never
again could he doubt 1t. The very coming
of this man into the field of contest and
his calm assumption of proprietorship and
authority, had combined to awaken the
slumbering heart of the young officer. From
that instant Nadia ellis became to him the
one and only woman in all this world. Ay,
and he would fight to win her; never con-
Tossing defeat until final decision came from
her own lips He paused. half inclined to
retrace his steps and have the matter out
He turned just in time to face a dazzling
vision of fluffy lace and f1ossy hair beside
him in the dimly lighted hall.
"Ch, Lieut.. Brant!' and the vision chung
to his arm tenderly. 1T is such a relief to
find that you are unhurt. Did-did you
kill hm?'
Brant stared. IL fear I scarcely COM
prehend, Miss Spencer. I have certainly
taken no ones life What can you mean?"
oh 1 am SO glad and Nadia will he,
too. l must go right back and tell the poor
girl. for she is nearly distracted. Oh. lieu
tenant, isn't 1t the most romantic situation
that ever was? And he is such myste-
rious character!''
ITO whom do you refer?" Really, am
quite in the dark"
why. Mr.. Hampton, of course Oh,
your meeting this morning that 1 just
compelled her to confide her whole story to
me- And didn't you fight at alp
Most assuredly not" and brants eyes
began to exhibit amusement; Indeed, we
parted quite friendly"
II told Nadia 1 thought you would. Peo-
pie don't take such things 80 seriously now
adays. do they? But Nadia is such child
and so full of romantic notions, .lat she
worried terribly about it. Isn't it perfectly
delightful what he Is going to do for her. :
Il am sure 1 do not know
''WIly, hadn't you heard? He wants to
her fine education. Do you know, lieu
tenant, l am simply dying to see him; he is
such a perfectly splendid western char
acter."
ut would afford me pleasure to present
you, and the soldiers downcast face
frightened with anticipation.
"Do-do you really think 1t would be
proper? But they do things so differently
out here, don't they? Oh. 1 wish you
would
Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what
might be the result Brant knocked upon
the door he had just closed, and. in re-
Spouse to the voice within, opened it.
Hampton sat upon the chair by the win
dow, but as his eyes caught glimpse of
the returned soldier with woman stand
ing 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 admirer Of
western life, who is DESTROYS of making
your acquaintance"
Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward,
her cheeks flushed, her hand extended:
"Oh, Mr.. Hampton ! have SO wished to
meet with you ever since l first read your
name in Aunt Lydia's letters-Mrs. Hern-
don is my aunt. you know-and all about
that awful time you had with those Indians.
You see, 1 am Nadia ellis 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 meet
ing with Lieut.. Brant, fearing you might
quarrel! 1t was such a relief to find him
SO as to relieve Nalda's mind entirely. l
have two special friends, Mr.. Moffat and
Mr. McNeil-perhaps you know them?-who
have told me so much about these things.
But do think the story of your acquaint-
ance with Nadia Is the most romantic I
ever heard of-exactly like play on the
stage and l could never forgive myself If
failed to meet the leading actor. 1 do not
wonder Nadia fairly worshfps YOU
Il most certainly appreciate your frankly
expressed interest, Miss Spencer" he said
standing with her hand still retained in his,
land am exceedingly glad there is one
siding In this community to whom my pc
culiar merits are apparent. So many are
misjudged In this world that 1t is quite a
relief to realize that even one Is apprecia-
tive, and the blessing becomes doubled when
that one chances to be SO very charming a
young woman"
Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her
cheeks rosy. "Oh, how very gracefully you
said that! do wish you would some time