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."




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