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