, 1908-09-17
,Ne0N "a 60

~ OuliihCo against ~ CIcdT CHeeh8.
To draw back u%nobserved was impos-
sible, even had he possessed strength
OF will sufficient to make the attempt,
nor would words Of easy greeting
come to his relief. He could merely
worship silently ~ before a sacred
shrine. 1t was thus she glanced up
and saw him with startled eyes, her
hands u%nclasping, her cheeks rose
colored.
Lieut.. Brant. you here?" she e.
claimed, speaking as If his presence
seemed unreal. What strange mir.
acles an idle thought can work."
Thoughts, l have heard" he 70
Piled, coming toward her with head
Uncovered. will sometimes awaken
answers through vast distances of
lime and space. AS my thought was
with you / may be altogether to blame
Tor thus arousing your own. From
The expression Of your face. / sup
posed you dreaming"
She smiled. her eyes uplifted for .
Jingle instant to his own. 1T was
Father thought Just merging into
Dream, and there are few things In
life more sweet. know not whether
/ Is the common gift of all minds, but
my day-dreams are almost more to
me than my realities"
First is was moods, and now
nreams." He seated himself comfort
ably at her feet. You would cause
me to believe you . most impractical
person, Miss Nadia"
IF that were only true, l am sure
should be most happy, for 1t a
only pleasure through ~day-dreaming
the things I like and long for be-
come my very OWE then. But II you
mean. as ! suspect, that l do not en-
Joy the dirt and drudgery Of life, then
my plea will have to be guilty. Back
of what o term practical some one
has said there 10 always a dream. .
nrst conception. In that sense I
choose to be a dreamer"
And not 20 unwise q choice, II
your dreams only tend toward re-
suits" He sat looking into her ami
mated face. deeply puzzled by both
words and actions. 81 cannot help
noticing that you avoid all reference
to my meeting with Mr.. Hampton. Is
this another sign OF your impractical
mind?"
Il should say rather the opposite,
for / had not even supposed 1t con-
cerned me-"
Indeed! That presents a vastly diff
ferent view from the one given us an
hour since. The distinct impression
was then conveyed to both our minds
that you were greatly distressed re-
garding the matter. Is 1t possible you
can have been acting again."
Il? Certainly mott" and she made
10 attempt to hide her indignation.
f'What do you mean!?"
He hesitated IN instant in HE re-
ply. feeling that possibly he was
reading upon thin Ice. But her eyes
commanded a direct answer, and he
kielded to them.
I'VE were informed hat you expe-
fenced great anxiety for fear we
hight quarrel-so great, indeed, that
lou had confded your troubles to an
ther."
ITO whom?"
miss Spencer. She came to US o.
pnsibly in your name. and as a peace
laker."
For q moment she sat gazing direct
at him. then she laughed softly.
why. how supremacy ridiculous; !
An hardly believe It true. only your
nee tells me you certainly are not
play. Lieut.. Brant. l have never
yen dreamed Of such q thing. You
I'D informed me that your mission
uai one of peace. and he pledged me
Ns word not to permit any quarrel.
had the utmost confidence in you
pth."
How. then. did she wen know of
" meeting?"
II am entirely in the dark. as mys.
ned AZ you" she acknowledged.
fankly. for II has certainly never
zen 4 habit with me to betray the
~oonndence Of my friends. and | learn
- long since not to conide secrets to
Mss Spencer"
Apparently neither cared to discuss
&c problem longer. yet he remained
lent considering those questions
Rhieh might decide his fate.
You speak Of your confidence In
both" he said. slowly. T me
be complete trust you repose in Mr..
hampton is scarcely comprehensive.
10 you truly believe in his REFORM
Certainly. Don't your"
The direct return question served
nettle and confuse him. 1T IL.
erhaps, not my place to say as my
nture happiness doe not directly de-
lend on the permanence of his
<eformation. But II his word can be
spended upon. your happiness to .
Terry large extent does"
She bowed. II have no doubt you
N safely repose confidence in what
yer he may have told you regarding
ps."