Bob Hampton of Placer - Page 90/205

The lieutenant smiled. "Most gladly; yet just now, I confess, the

music invites me, and I am sufficiently bold to request your company

upon the floor."

Miss Spencer sighed regretfully, her eyes sweeping across those

numerous manly faces surrounding them. "Why, really, Lieutenant Brant,

I scarcely see how I possibly can. I have already refused so many this

evening, and even now I almost believe I must be under direct

obligation to some one of those gentlemen. Still," hesitatingly, "your

being a total stranger here must be taken into consideration. Mr.

Moffat, Mr. McNeil, Mr. Mason, surely you will grant me release this

once?"

There was no verbal response to the appeal, only an uneasy movement;

but her period of waiting was extremely brief.

"Oh, I knew you would; you have all been so kind and considerate." She

arose, resting her daintily gloved hand upon Brant's blue sleeve, her

pleased eyes smiling up confidingly into his. Then with a charming

smile, "Oh, Mr. Wynkoop, I have decided to claim your escort to supper.

You do not care?"

Wynkoop bowed, his face like a poppy.

"I thought you would not mind obliging me in this. Come, Lieutenant."

Miss Spencer, when she desired to be, was a most vivacious companion,

and always an excellent dancer. Brant easily succumbed to her sway,

and became, for the time being, a victim to her charms. They circled

the long room twice, weaving their way skilfully among the numerous

couples, forgetful of everything but the subtile intoxication of that

swinging cadence to which their feet kept such perfect time,

occasionally exchanging brief sentences in which compliment played no

insignificant part. To Brant, as he marked the heightened color

flushing her fair cheeks, the experience brought back fond memories of

his last cadet ball at the Point, and he hesitated to break the mystic

spell with abrupt questioning. Curiosity, however, finally mastered

his reticence.

"Miss Spencer," he asked, "may I inquire if you possess such a

phenomenon as a 'star' pupil?"

The lady laughed merrily, but her expression became somewhat puzzled.

"Really, what a very strange question! Why, not unless it might be

little Sammy Worrell; he can certainly use the longest words I ever

heard of outside a dictionary. Why, may I ask? Are you especially

interested in prodigies?"

"Oh, not in the least; certainly not in little Sammy Worrell. The

person I had reference to chances to be a young woman, having dark

eyes, and a wealth of auburn hair. We met quite by accident, and the

sole clew I now possess to her identity is a claim she advanced to

being your 'star' pupil."