Though Brant doubted Miss Spencer's honesty of statement, his reply was
direct and unhesitating. "I am informed that he has a good chance to
live, and I have already despatched word to Miss Gillis regarding his
condition. I expect her at any moment."
"How very nice that was of you! Oh, I trembled so when you first went
to face those angry men! I don't see how you ever dared to do it. I
did wish that either Mr. Moffat or Mr. McNeil could have been here to
go with you. Mr. Moffat especially is so daring; he is always risking
his life for some one else--and no one seems able to tell me anything
about either of them." The lady paused, blushing violently, as she
realized what she had been saying. "Really you must not suppose me
unmaidenly, Lieutenant," she explained, her eyes shyly lifting, "but
you know those gentlemen were my very earliest acquaintances here, and
they have been so kind. I was so shocked when Naida kissed you,
Lieutenant; but the poor girl was so grateful to you for going to the
help of Bob Hampton that she completely forgot herself. It is simply
wonderful how infatuated the poor child is with that man. He seems
almost to exercise some power of magic over her, don't you think?"
"Why frankly, Miss Spencer, I scarcely feel like discussing that topic
just now. There are so many duties pressing me--" and Brant took a
hasty step toward the open door, his attentive ear catching the sound
of a light footstep in the hallway. He met Naida just without, pale
and tearless. Both her hands were extended to him unreservedly.
"Tell me, will he live?"
"The doctor thinks yes."
"Thank God! Oh, thank God!" She pressed one hand against her heart to
control its throbbing. "You cannot know what this means to me." Her
eyes seemed now for the first time to mark his own deplorable
condition. "And you? You have not been hurt, Lieutenant Brant?"
He smiled back into her anxious eyes. "Nothing that soap and water and
a few days' retirement will not wholly remedy. My wounds are entirely
upon the surface. Shall I conduct you to him?"
She bowed, apparently forgetful that one of her hands yet remained
imprisoned in his grasp. "If I may go, yes. I told Mrs. Herndon I
should remain here if I could be of the slightest assistance."
They passed up the staircase side by side, exchanging no further
speech. Once she glanced furtively at his face, but its very calmness
kept the words upon her lips unuttered. At the door they encountered
Mrs. Guffy, her honest eyes red from weeping.