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."