Bob Hampton of Placer - Page 72/205

"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."