Bob Hampton of Placer

"You? Why, you arrived only this morning, and do you mean to say you

have met already?"

"I at least suspect as much, for there can scarcely exist two in this

town who will fill the description. My memory holds the vision of a

fair young face, vivacious, ever changing in its expression, yet

constantly both piquant and innocent; a perfect wealth of hair, a pair

of serious eyes hiding mysteries within their depths, and lips which

seem made to kiss. Tell me, is not this a fairly drawn portrait of

your Miss Spencer?"

The minister gripped his hands nervously together. "Your description

is not unjust; indeed, it is quite accurate from a mere outer point of

view; yet beneath her vivacious manner I have found her thoughtful, and

possessed of deep spiritual yearnings. In the East she was a

communicant of the Episcopal Church."

Brant did not answer him at once. He was studying the minister's

downcast face; but when the latter finally turned to depart, he

inquired, "Do you expect to attend the reception to-morrow evening?"

Wynkoop stammered slightly. "I--I could hardly refuse under the

circumstances; the committee sent me an especially urgent invitation,

and I understand there is to be no dancing until late. One cannot be

too straight-laced out here."

"Oh, never mind apologizing. I see no reason why you need hesitate to

attend. I merely wondered if you could procure me an invitation."

"Did she tell you about it?"

"Well, she delicately hinted at it, and, you know, things are pretty

slow here in a social way. She merely suggested that I might possibly

meet her again there."

"Of course; it is given in her honor."

"So I understood, although she sought to deceive me into the belief

that she was not the lady. We met purely by accident, you understand,

and I am desirous of a more formal presentation."

The minister drew in his breath sharply, but the clasp of his extended

hand was not devoid of warmth. "I will have a card of invitation sent

you at the camp. The committee will be very glad of your presence;

only I warn you frankly regarding the lady, that competition will be

strong."

"Oh, so far as that is concerned I have not yet entered the running,"

laughed Brant, in affected carelessness, "although I must confess my

sporting proclivities are somewhat aroused."

He watched the minister walking rapidly away, a short, erect figure,

appearing slender in his severely cut black cloth. "Poor little chap,"

he muttered, regretfully. "He's hard hit. Still, they say all's fair

in love and war."