“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.’”