Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-08-03

Miss Spencer, when she desired to
be, was most viyacious companion,
and always an excellent dancer Brant
easily succumbed to her sway, and be-
came, for the time being, victim to
her charms. To Brant the experience
brought back fond memories OF his
last cadet ball at the Point, and he
hesitated to break the mystic spell
with abrupt questioning. Curiosity,
however, finally mastered his reti-
cence.
Miss Spencer he asked. may |
inquire if you possess such a phenome-
non as star pupil?"
The lady laughed merrily, but her
expression became somewhat puzzled.
Really, what a very strange question!
Why, not unless it might be little
Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use
the longest words l ever heard of out
side dictionary Why, may l ask?
Are you especially interested in prod
igies?"
"Oh, not in the least; certainly not
in little Sammy Worrell. The person
l had reference to chances to be a
young woman, having dark eyes, and
wealth of auburn hair. We met quite
by accident, and the sole clew l now
possess to her identity is claim she
advanced to being your star pupil"
Miss Spencer sighed somewhat re-
gretfully. and her eyes fell. Il fear
it must have been Nadia, from your
description. But she is scarcely more
than child. Surely, lieutenant, it
cannot be possible that you have be-
come interested in herr"
He smiled pleasantly. "At least Is,
is she not? l was somewhat impressed
with her evident originality and hoped
to renew our slight acquaintanceship
here in more formal manner. She is
your star pupil then?"
why, she is not really in my school
at all, but / outline the studies she
pursues at home, and lend her such
books as consider best adapted for
her reading. She is such strange
girl!'
Indeed? She appeared to me to be
extremely unconventional, with a de-
cided tendency for mischief. Is that
your meaning?"
Partially She manages to do
everything in different way from
other people. Her mind seems pecu-
liarly independents and she is so I'M
reservedly western in her ways and
language. But was referring rather
everything"
"Yeu mean as a STUDENT"
We'll, yes, l suppose so; at least
she appears to possess the faculty Of
absorbing every bit of information,
like sponge. Sometimes she actual
ly startles me with her odd questions.
I really believe Mr.. Wynkoop seeks to
avoid meeting her, she has shocked
him so frequently in religious mat
ters."
Does she make light of his faith?"
ooh, no, not that exactly, at least 1t
is not her intention. But she wants
to know everything-why we believe
this and why we believe that, doc
trines which no one else ever dreams
of questioning, and he cannot seem to
make them clear to her mind. Some
of her questions are so irreverent as
to be positively shocking to a spirit
ually minded person"
They lapsed into silence, swinging
easily to the guidance of the music.
His face was grave and thoughtful.
This picture just drawn of the per-
verse Nadia had not greatly lowered
her in his estimation, although he felt
irstinctively that Miss Spencer was
not altogether pleased with his evil
dent interest in another.
ct is very interesting to know that
you two met in so unconventional a
way" she ventured, softly, "and so
sly of her not even to mention it to
me. We are room-mates. you know,
and consequently quite intimate, al
though she possesses many peculiar
characteristics which l cannot in the
least approve l shall certainly do my
best to guide her Alright. Would you
mind giving me some details Of your
meeting?'
For moment he hesitated, feeling
that if the girl had not seen fit to con-
fide her adventure to this particular
friend, it was hardly his place to do
SO. Then, remembering that be had
already said enough to arouse curl
osity, which might easily be developed
into suspicion, he determined his
course. In a few words the brief story
was frankly told, and apparently
proved quite amusing to Miss Spencer.
ooh, that was Nadia, beyond a
doubt she exclaimed, with laugh of
satisfaction. 'It is all SO Characters
tic of her. l only wonder how she
CHANGED to guess your name; but real.
ly the girl appears to possess some
peculiar gift in thus discerning facts
hidden from others.
The music coming to pause, they
slowly traversed the room.
Il presume, then, she is not pres
eat?" he said quietly.
Miss Spencer glanced into his face
the grave tone making her apprehen
sive that she might have gone too far
She was here earlier in the even
ing, but now that you remind me of it
l do not recall having noticed Der OF
late. But, really. lieutenant, it is nc
part of my duty to chaperon the young
girl Mrs. Herndon could probably in
form you of her present whereabouts >
Miss Spencer was conscious of the