Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-01-11
cHAPrER XVI

/ The Rezpncararre Of 7,, Old FrIerd
R After supucr the lieutenant and
I Nadia danced twice toretber the
/ young girls mood having apparently
1 changed to one off buoyant. careless
4 happiness. her dark eyes smiling her
lips utterinE freely whatever tbourbt
came uppermost Outwardlv she pic
tured the gay and merry spirit OF the
night. yet 10 Brant. already observing
her with the Jealousy of a lover. she
appeared distract and restless. her az.
fectation of abandon mere mask to
her FEELINGS. Pe~haus these things
might have pa ed uanoted but for
their contrast with the late copdden-
tial chat.
lie could not reconcile this sudden
change with what he believed OF her
To was not carried ont with The mac.
ticed art OF one accustomed to deceit.
There must DO something real inor-
encing her action. These miscivines
hurdcned his mind oven as he swung
lightly with her 20 the music. and thew
. talked together in little snatchcs.
The last two waIzcs ended. thew
walked slowly through the scattering
throng. he striving vainly TO arouse
her 20 the former indcpondence and
intimacy OF speech suddenly they
came face TO face with Mrs. Herndon.
and Bunt felt The girls arm twitch.
Il have been looking everywhere
for you. Nadia Mrs. Herndon said.
slight complaint in her voice. I'VE
were going home"
Naida's cheeks Redeemed painfullv.
Il am so sorry 30 i have kept YOU
waiting" her words spoken with
rush. "but-but Lieut.. Brant was in
tending 60 accompany me. We we're
just starting for the cloakroom"
"Oh. indccdi" Mrs. Horndon's ex-
preston was noncommittal. while her
eyes surveyed the lieutenant
with your permission. OF course"
he said.
81 hardly think I have any need 10
interfere"
They separated. the younger. people
walking slowly. silently toward the
door. he held her arm. assisting her
to descend the stairway. his lips MUIR
muring few commonplace. 10 which
she scarcely returned even monosyl-
Liable replies although she frequently
flashed shy chances at his grave face.
Both realized that some explanation
was forthcoming. yet neither was quite
prepared 20 force the issue.
Il have no wraps at the hotel" she
said. as ne attempted 70 turn that
way THAT was a lie also; let us
walk directly down the road"
He Induced in no comment, his
eyes perceiving a pathetic pleading in
her upturned face. Suddenly there
came to him belief that the girl was
crying; he could feel the slight tremor
OF her form against his own. He
glanced furtively at her. only to catch
the glitter Of n falling tear. To her
evident distress. his heart made in
slant and sympathetic response. With
ali respect influencing the action, his
hand closed warmly over the smaller
one on his sleeve.
Little girl" he said, forgetting the
shortness Of their acquaintance in the
deep feeling OF the moment, tell me
what the trouble is"
I suppose you think me an awful
creature for saying that" she blurted
out. without looking up. 1T wasn't
ladylike or nice, but-but simply
couldn't help it, Lieut.. Brant."
You mean your sudden determine
ton to carry me home with your" he
asked, relieved 10 think this might
prove the entire difficulty. Don't let
that worry YOU Why. / am simply re-
joiced at being permitted to go. Do
you know, 7 wanted to request the
privilege All the time we were dancing
together But you acted so differently
rom "hen we were Deneath the vines
tnat ! actually lost my nerve
enc rocked u9 anu ne causnt a Meet