The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1908-03-27
CHAPTER xiv.-Continued.

CHAPTER xiv.--continued.
Lieut.. Brant was somewhat delayed
In reaching the scene. Certain mill
tary requirements were largely re
sponsible for this delay. and he hat
patiently wrestled with an unsatisfac
tory toilet, mentally excoriating
service which would not permit the
transportation Of dress uniforms while
on scouting detail.
The dance was already in full swine
when he finally pushed his way
through the idle loungers gathered
about the door, and gained entrance to
the Iii Many glanced curiously al
him, attracted by the glitter of his uni
form. but he recognized none among
them, and therefore passed steadily
toward the musicians stand, where
there appeared to be a few unoccu.
pied chairs.
The scene was one Of color and &C.
ton. He watched the speeding fig.
ures, striving to distinguish the par
ticular n whose charms had lured
him thither. But among them all he
was unable to distinguish the wood
nymph whose girlish frankness and
grace had left so deep an impression
on his memory. Yet surely she must
be present, for, to his understanding,
this whole gay festival was in her
honor. Directly across the room he
caught sight of Rev. Mr.. Wynkoop
conversing with a lady of somewhat
rounded charms, and picked his way
In their direction.
The missionary. who, in truth. had
been hiding an agonized heart behind
a smiling face, was only too delighted
at any excuse which would enable him
to approach Miss Spencer, and press
aside those cavaliers who were mo-
nopolizing her attention. The handi.
cap of not being able to dance he felt
to be heavy, and he greeted the lieu.
tenant with unusual heartiness Of
manner
why, most assuredly. my dear sir,
most assuredly." he said. Mrs. Hern-
don, permit me to make o acquaint.
ed with Lieut.. Brant Of the Seventh
cavalry"
The two, thus introduced, bowed and
exchanged a few words, while Mr..
Wynkoop busted himself in peering
about the room, making q great pre-
tense at searching out the lady guest,
who, in very truth. had scarcely been
absent from his sight during the en-
tire evening.
"Ah!" he calculated, 'at last I To-
cate her, and, fortunately, at this mo-
ment she is not upon the floor, al
though positively hidden by the men
clustering about her chair. You will
excuse US, Mrs. Herndon, but / have
promised Lieut.. Brant a presentation
to your Niece"
They slipped past the musicians
stand, and the missionary pressed in
through the ring of admirers.
why, Mr.. Wynkoop!" and she ex-
tended both hands impulsively. "And
only to think, you have never once
been near me all this evening! You
don't know how much I have missed
you. ! was just saying to Mr.. Moffat
or it might have ben Mr.. MCNEIL
hat l was completely tired out and
wished you were here to sit out this
dance with me-"
Wynkoop blushed and forgot the
errand which had brought him there,
but she remained sufficiently cool and
observant. She touched him gently
with her hand.
Who Is that fine-iooking young off,
cer?" she questioned softly, yet with.
venturing to remove her glance
from his face.
Mr.. Wynkoop started. "Oh, exactly;
l had forgotten my mission. He has
requested an introduction" He drew
the, lieutenant forward. Lieut.. Brant,
Miss Spencer"
The officer bowed, a slight shadow
disappointment In his eyes. The
lady was unq~uestionably attractive,
her face animated, her reception most
cordial. yet she was not the maiden of
dark, fathomless eyes and the
wealth OF auburn hair.
Such a pleasure to meet you," ex.
claimed Miss Spencer. do you know.
that actually / have never
before had the privilege OF meeting
m officer of the army. Your appear.