A SLIGHT INTERRUPTION
The young officer passed slowly down the dark staircase, his mind still
bewildered by the result of the interview. His feelings toward Hampton
had been materially changed. He found it impossible to nurse a dislike
which seemingly had no real cause for existence. He began besides to
comprehend something of the secret of his influence over Naida; even to
experience himself the power of that dominating spirit. Out of
controversy a feeling of respect had been born.
Yet Brant was far from being satisfied. Little by little he realized
that he had gained nothing, learned nothing. Hampton had not even
advanced a direct claim; he had dodged the real issue, leaving the
soldier in the dark regarding his relationship to Naida, and erecting a
barrier between the other two. It was a masterpiece of defence,
puzzling, irritating, seemingly impassable. From the consideration of
it all, Brant emerged with but one thought clearly defined--whoever she
might prove to be, whatever was her present connection with Hampton, he
loved this dark-eyed, auburn-haired waif. He knew it now, and never
again could he doubt it. The very coming of this man into the field of
contest, and his calm assumption of proprietorship and authority, had
combined to awaken the slumbering heart of the young officer. From
that instant Naida Gillis became to him the one and only woman in all
this world. Ay, and he would fight to win her; never confessing defeat
until final decision came from her own lips. He paused, half inclined
to retrace his steps and have the matter out. He turned just in time
to face a dazzling vision of fluffy lace and flossy hair beside him in
the dimly lighted hall.
"Oh, Lieutenant Brant!" and the vision clung to his arm tenderly. "It
is such a relief to find that you are unhurt. Did--did you kill him?"
Brant stared. "I--I fear I scarcely comprehend, Miss Spencer. I have
certainly taken no one's life. What can you mean?"
"Oh, I am so glad; and Naida will be, too. I must go right back and
tell the poor girl, for she is nearly distracted. Oh, Lieutenant, is
n't it the most romantic situation that ever was? And he is such a
mysterious character!"
"To whom do you refer? Really, I am quite in the dark."
"Why, Mr. Hampton, of course. Oh, I know all about it. Naida felt so
badly over your meeting this morning that I just compelled her to
confide her whole story to me. And didn't you fight at all?"
"Most assuredly not," and Brant's eyes began to exhibit amusement;
"indeed, we parted quite friendly."
"I told Naida I thought you would. People don't take such things so
seriously nowadays, do they? But Naida is such a child and so full of
romantic notions, that she worried terribly about it. Is n't it
perfectly delightful what he is going to do for her?"
"I am sure I do not know."
"Why, had n't you heard? He wants to send her East to a
boarding-school and give her a fine education. Do you know,
Lieutenant, I am simply dying to see him; he is such a perfectly
splendid Western character."
"It would afford me pleasure to present you," and the soldier's
downcast face brightened with anticipation.
"Do--do you really think it would be proper? But they do things so
differently out here, don't they? Oh, I wish you would."
Feeling somewhat doubtful as to what might be the result, Brant knocked
upon the door he had just closed, and, in response to the voice within,
opened it. Hampton sat upon the chair by the window, but as his eyes
caught a glimpse of the returned soldier with a woman standing beside
him, he instantly rose to his feet.
"Mr. Hampton," said Brant, "I trust I may be pardoned for again
troubling you, but this is Miss Spencer, a great admirer of Western
life, who is desirous of making your acquaintance."
Miss Spencer swept gracefully forward, her cheeks flushed, her hand
extended. "Oh, Mr. Hampton, I have so wished to meet with you ever
since I first read your name in Aunt Lydia's letters--Mrs. Herndon is
my aunt, you know,--and all about that awful time you had with those
Indians. You see, I am Naida Gillis's most particular friend, and she
tells me so much about you. She is such a dear, sweet girl! She felt
so badly this morning over your meeting with Lieutenant Brant, fearing
you might quarrel! It was such a relief to find him unhurt, but I felt
that I must see you also, so as to relieve Naida's mind entirely. I
have two special friends, Mr. Moffat and Mr. McNeil,--perhaps you know
them?--who have told me so much about these things. But I do think the
story of your acquaintance with Naida is the most romantic I ever heard
of,--exactly like a play on the stage, and I could never forgive myself
if I failed to meet the leading actor. I do not wonder Naida fairly
worships you."
"I most certainly appreciate your frankly expressed interest, Miss
Spencer," he said, standing with her hand still retained in his, "and
am exceedingly glad there is one residing in this community to whom my
peculiar merits are apparent. So many are misjudged in this world,
that it is quite a relief to realize that even one is appreciative, and
the blessing becomes doubled when that one chances to be so very
charming a young woman."
Miss Spencer sparkled instantly, her cheeks rosy. "Oh, how very
gracefully you said that! I do wish you would some time tell me about
your exploits. Why, Mr. Hampton, perhaps if you were to call upon me,
you might see Naida, too. I wish you knew Mr. Moffat, but as you
don't, perhaps you might come with Lieutenant Brant."
Hampton bowed. "I would hardly venture thus to place myself under the
protection of Lieutenant Brant, although I must confess the former
attractions of the Herndon home are now greatly increased. From my
slight knowledge of Mr. Moffat's capabilities, I fear I should be found
a rather indifferent entertainer; yet I sincerely hope we shall meet
again at a time when I can 'a tale unfold.'"
"How nice that will be, and I am so grateful to you for the promise.
By-the-bye, only this very morning a man stopped me on the street,
actually mistaking me for Naida."
"What sort of a looking man, Miss Spencer?"
"Large, and heavily set, with a red beard. He was exceedingly polite
when informed of his mistake, and said he merely had a message to
deliver to Miss Gillis. But he refused to tell it to me."
The glances of the two men met, but Brant was unable to decipher the
meaning hidden within the gray eyes. Neither spoke, and Miss Spencer,
never realizing what her chatter meant, rattled merrily on.
"You see there are so many who speak to me now, because of my public
position here. So I thought nothing strange at first, until I
discovered his mistake, and then it seemed so absurd that I nearly
laughed outright. Isn't it odd what such a man could possibly want
with her? But really, gentlemen, I must return with my news; Naida
will be so anxious. I am so glad to have met you both."
Hampton bowed politely, and Brant conducted her silently down the
stairway. "I greatly regret not being able to accompany you home," he
explained, "but I came down on horseback, and my duty requires that I
return at once to the camp."
"Oh, indeed! how very unfortunate for me!" Even as she said so, some
unexpected vision beyond flushed her cheeks prettily. "Why, Mr.
Wynkoop," she exclaimed, "I am so glad you happened along, and going my
way too, I am sure. Good morning, Lieutenant; I shall feel perfectly
safe with Mr. Wynkoop."