Part 16 (2/2)

The missionary, who had yet scarcely recovered from the shock of Moffat's impulsive speech, and 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 monopolizing her attention. The handicap of not being able to dance he felt to be heavy, and he greeted the lieutenant with unusual heartiness of manner.

”Why, most a.s.suredly, my dear sir, most a.s.suredly,” he said. ”Mrs.

Herndon, permit me to make you acquainted with Lieutenant Brant, of the Seventh Cavalry.”

The two, thus introduced, bowed, and exchanged a few words, while Mr.

Wynkoop busied himself in peering about the room, making a great pretence at searching out the lady guest, who, in very truth, had scarcely been absent from his sight during the entire evening.

”Ah!” he e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed, ”at last I locate her, and, fortunately, at this moment she is not upon the floor, although positively hidden by the men cl.u.s.tering about her chair. You will excuse us, Mrs. Herndon, but I have promised Lieutenant 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 extended both hands impulsively. ”And only to think, you have never once been near me all this evening; you have not congratulated me on my good fortune, nor exhibited the slightest interest! You don't know how much I have missed you. I was just saying to Mr. Moffat--or it might have been Mr. McNeil--that I 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-looking young officer?” she questioned softly, yet without venturing to remove her glance from his face.

Mr. Wynkoop started. ”Oh, exactly; I had forgotten my mission. He has requested an introduction.” He drew the lieutenant forward.

”Lieutenant Brant, Miss Spencer.”

The officer bowed, a slight shadow of disappointment in his eyes. The lady was unquestionably attractive, her face animated, her reception most cordial, yet she was not the maiden of the dark, fathomless eyes and the wealth of auburn hair.

”Such a pleasure to meet you,” exclaimed Miss Spencer, her eyes uplifted shyly, only to become at once modestly shaded behind their long lashes. ”Do you know, Lieutenant, that actually I have never before had the privilege of meeting an officer of the army. Why, we in the East scarcely realize that we possess such a body of brave men.

But I have read much regarding the border, and all the dreams of my girlhood seem on the point of realization since I came here and began mingling in its free, wild life. Your appearance supplies the one touch of color that was lacking to make the picture complete. Mr.

Moffat has done so much to make me realize the breadth of Western experience, and now, I do so hope, you will some time find opportunity to recount to me some of your army exploits.”

The lieutenant smiled. ”Most gladly; yet just now, I confess, the music invites me, and I am sufficiently bold to request your company upon the floor.”

Miss Spencer sighed regretfully, her eyes sweeping across those numerous manly faces surrounding them. ”Why, really, Lieutenant Brant, I scarcely see how I possibly can. I have already refused so many this evening, and even now I almost believe I must be under direct obligation to some one of those gentlemen. Still,” hesitatingly, ”your being a total stranger here must be taken into consideration. Mr.

Moffat, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Mason, surely you will grant me release this once?”

There was no verbal response to the appeal, only an uneasy movement; but her period of waiting was extremely brief.

”Oh, I knew you would; you have all been so kind and considerate.” She arose, resting her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her pleased eyes smiling up confidingly into his. Then with a charming smile, ”Oh, Mr. Wynkoop, I have decided to claim your escort to supper.

You do not care?”

Wynkoop bowed, his face like a poppy.

”I thought you would not mind obliging me in this. Come, Lieutenant.”

Miss Spencer, when she desired to be, was a most vivacious companion, and always an excellent dancer. Brant easily succ.u.mbed to her sway, and became, for the time being, a victim to her charms. They circled the long room twice, weaving their way skilfully among the numerous couples, forgetful of everything but the subtile intoxication of that swinging cadence to which their feet kept such perfect time, occasionally exchanging brief sentences in which compliment played no insignificant part. To Brant, as he marked the heightened color flus.h.i.+ng her fair cheeks, the experience brought back fond memories of his last cadet ball at the Point, and he hesitated to break the mystic spell with abrupt questioning. Curiosity, however, finally mastered his reticence.

”Miss Spencer,” he asked, ”may I inquire if you possess such a phenomenon as a 'star' pupil?”

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