Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-01-25

1Att III utiu mdue prompt ana Joyful
response. Brant had learned OF the
consolidation OF the hostile savages,
melted by SiJtins Ban. into the fast
ness OF the Big Horn range: he was
aware thas Gen. Cook was already ad-
vancing northward from the Nebraska
line. Now he realized that he was to
be part Of this chosen fighting force
and his heart responded to the SUM-
mons rs 20 a bugle call IN battle.
Instantly the little camp was astir.
the men feeling the enthusiasm Of
their officers. With preparations well
in hand Brauts 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 oldfashioned halr-cloth furni-
ture. the prim striped paper on the
walls. the green shades at the win
dows. the clean rag carpet on the noor.
The very stiffness chilled him. left
him an at ease. Then he heard the
rustic 81 Naida's skirt and turned to
meet her She was pale from her
weeks Of NURSING, and agitated for fear
OF what this unexpected cali might
portend. Vet TO his thought She APP
peared calm. her manner restrained.
Nor could anything be kinder than her
first greeting. the frankly extended
hand. the words expressive of well
come
MIR. Wynkoop informed me a few
minutes ago tlat you had at last re-
ccived your orders for the north" She
said her lins slishtly trembling. go
wondered ~ you would leave without
a word OF farewell"
He bowed low. II do not under
stand how you could doubt. for have
shown my deep interest in you even
from the first ~ have lately seemed
10 avoid you. &c has only been because
/ believed you wished it So"
There was an embarrassing pause.
as though neither knew how TO get
through ,he Interview.
80 doubt you are reioiced Co Doe
sent ON active service again. she said.
at last
eyes both as a soldier and as
man. Miss Naiia. Z ann glad 10 get
into the field again with ms regiment.
60 DO ms duty under The aa~. and 7
ann equally reioiceJ to have something
occur which win tond 90 divert nay
thoughts. Z had not intended 90 say
anything of this kind. bat now chat
ann with you B s.mpiy cannot restrain
the words. This past month has been.
] believe. tho hardest have ever been
compelled to live through. You sim-
ply mystifr me ESQ that 7 alternately
hope and despair. Your methods are
cruel"
"Ninc2 a1d She gazcd at him with
parted lips "Licut Brant. what can
you mcane What is DC have done
ut may hcyo been only play 20 you
and $50 easily forgotten" he went on.
bitterly "But thar is "a dangerous
game. very certain to hurt some one.
Miss Nadia. your face. your ewes. even
your lirs almost continually tell me
one thing. your words another. I
know not which Co trust mover
meet you except to so away hamcd
and bcwrforc3"
"You wish Co know the truth2"
"Ay and for AN time, Are you
false or truce Co1ucue or woman2
DO YOU simply play with hearts FOR
idle amusement COZ is there some true
purpose ruling your actions2"
She looked directly ot him. her
hands claspol. her breath almost
sohh'ng between tho parted lips At
Crst She could not speak. "Oh. YOU
hurt mc sos" She ialtered az last IL
dil ro- capcse you could ever think
'H.r ID d.i NOT mean IL. oh. truly
I did not mean iu You forget how
young ! am how very little = know
OF the world and its ways. Perhaps 1
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 / think otherwise"
IL love YOU" be 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,
wish you hadn't said that, Il is not
because / doubt you any longer; not
that / fail TO appreciate all you oTer
lAe- nut IL is so nara 20 appear un-
grateful. TO give nothing in return for
so vast a gilt"
Then il 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 impressivenoss
instantly carrying conviction. This
has already progressed so far that /
now owe You complete franlness
Donald Brant, now and always, living
OF dead. married or single, wherever
life may take us, shall love you"
Their eyes were meeting, but she
held up her hand TO restrain him from
the one step forward.
mo. no; have confessed the truth:
I have opened freely 10 you the great
secret of my heart. With IL you must
be content TO leave me. There is moth
Ing more that can give you. absolute