Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1908-02-29

line Now he realized rcat he w1s to
be a part of this chosen lighting force
and his heart responded to the sum-
mons as to bugle call in battle.
Instantly the little camp was astir,
the men feeling the enthusiasm of
their officers With preparations well
in hand, Brant's thoughts veered once
again toward Nadia. He rode down to
the Herndon house with grave face
and sober thought He recalled long
the plainly furnished room into which
Mrs. Herndon ushered him to await
the girls appearance-thef formal look
of the old-fashioned hair-cloth furni-
ture, the prim striped paper on the
walls, the green shades at the win
dows, the clean rag carpet on the floor.
The very stiffness chilled him, left
him ill at ease Then he heard the
rustic of Naida's skirt and turned to
meet her. She was pale from her
weeks of nursing, and agitated for fear
of what this unexpected call might
portend. Yet to his thought she ap-
peared calm, her manner restrained.
Nor could anything be kinder than her
first greeting, the frankly extended
hand, the words expressive of well
come.
Mr.. Wynkoop informed me a few
minutes ago that you had at last re-
ceived your orders for the NORTH she
said, her lips slightly trembling. 81
wondered if you would leave without
a word of farewell
He bowed low. q do not under
stand how you could doubt, for 1 have
shown my deep interest in you even
from the first. If have lately seemed
to avoid you, it has only been because
believed you wished it so.''
There was an embarrassing pause,
as though neither knew how to get
through the interview.
mo doubt you are rejoiced to be
sent on active service again. she said,
at last.
Yes, both as a soldier and as
man, Miss Nadia. 1 am glad to get
into the field again with my regiment,
to do my duty under the flag, and 1
am equally rejoiced to have something
occur which will tend to divert my
thoughts. 1 had not intended to say
anything of this kind, but now that 1
am with you 1 simply cannot restrain
the words. This past month has been,
1 believe, the hardest have ever been
compelled to live through. You sim
ply mystify me SO that l alternately
hope and despair. Your methods are
cruel"
"Mine?" and she gazed at him with
parted lips. Lieut.. Brant, what can
you mean? What is it have done?'
ct may have been only play to you
and so easily forgotten" he went on,
bitterly. But that is a dangerous
game, very certain to hurt some one.
Miss Nadia, your face, your eyes, even
one thing; your words another. I
know not which to trust. I never
meet you except to go away baf11ed
and bewildered.'
You wish to know the truth?"
cay, and for all time. Are you
false or true? Coquette or woman !?
Do you simply play with hearts for
idle amusement or is there some true
purpose ruling your actions?"
She looked directly at him, her
hands clasped, her breath almost
sobbing between the parted lips. At
first she could not speak. "Oh, you
hurt me so,'' she faltered at last. II
did not suppose you could ever think
that. II did not mean it; oh, truly
1 did not mean it! You forget how
young I am; how very little 1 know
of the world and it's ways. Perhaps
have not even realized how deeply in
earnest you were, have deceived my
self into believing you were merely
amusing yourself with me. Why, in
deed, should 1 think otherwise?"
81 love you,' he said, with simple
honesty. Il seek you for my wife"
She started at these frankly spoken
words, her hands partially concealing
her face, her form trembling. "Oh, 1
wish you hadn't said that! 1t is not
because I doubt you any longer; not
that 1 fail to appreciate all you offer
me. But it is so hard to appear I'M
grateful, to give nothing in return for
SO vast a gift
Then it is true that you do not
love me?"
The blood famed suddenly up into
her face, but there was no lowering of
the eyes, no shrinking back She was
too honest to play the coward before
him.
Il shall not attempt to deceive you"
she said, with a slow impressiveness
instantly carrying conviction. This
has already progressed SO far that /
now owe you complete frankness-
Donald Brant, now and always, living
or dead, married or single, wherever
life may take us, 1 shall love you"
Their eyes were meeting, but she
held up her hand to restrain him from
the one step forward.
l. hot II,