w, 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 t