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."