"Why, I consider this a most delightful nook."
"My reference was to Glencaid."
"Oh! Why, I live from within, not without. Mind and heart, not
environment, make life, and my time is occupied most congenially. I am
being faithfully nurtured on the Presbyterian catechism, and also
trained in the graces of earthly society. These alternate, thus
preparing me for whatever may happen in this world or the next."
His face pictured bewilderment, but also a determination to persevere.
"An interesting combination, I admit. But from your appearance this
cannot always have been your home?"
"Oh, thank you. I believe not always; but I wonder at your being able
to discern my superiority to these surroundings. And do you know your
questioning is becoming quite personal? Does that yield me an equal
privilege?"
He bowed, perhaps relieved at thus permitting her to assume the
initiative, and rested lazily back upon the grass, his eyes intently
studying her face.
"I suppose from your clothes you must be a soldier. What is that
figure 7 on your hat for?"
"The number of my regiment, the Seventh Cavalry."
Her glance was a bit disdainful as she coolly surveyed him from head to
foot, "I should imagine that a strong, capable-appearing fellow like
you might do much better than that. There is so much work in the world
worth doing, and so much better pay."
"What do you mean? Is n't a soldier's life a worthy one?"
"Oh, yes, of course, in a way. We have to have soldiers, I suppose;
but if I were a man I 'd hate to waste all my life tramping around at
sixteen dollars a month."
He smothered what sounded like a rough ejaculation, gazing into her
demure eyes as if she strongly suspected a joke hid in their depths.
"Do--do you mistake me for an enlisted man?"
"Oh, I did n't know; you said you were a soldier, and that's what I
always heard they got. I am so glad if they give you more. I was only
going to say that I believed I could get you a good place in McCarthy's
store if you wanted it. He pays sixty-five dollars, and his clerk has
just left."
Brant stared at her with open mooch, totally unable for the moment to
decide whether or not that innocent, sympathetic face masked mischief.
Before he succeeded in regaining confidence and speech, she had risen
to her feet, holding back her skirt with one hand.
"Really, I must go," she announced calmly, drawing back toward the
slight opening between the rushes. "No doubt YOU have done fully as
well as you could considering your position in life; but this has
proved another disappointment. You have fallen, far, very far, below
my ideal. Good-bye."